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The Impact of Cosmetics on Eye Health Special Congressional Briefing for Dry Eye Awareness Month
Washington, D.C., July 18, 2023 - The Alliance for Eye and Vision Research (AEVR) and the Tear Film & Ocular Surface Society (TFOS) are pleased to announce the eighth joint Dry Eye Awareness Month Congressional Briefing, scheduled to take place this summer. Titled "
The Impact of Cosmetics on Eye Health," this informative briefing will be held on Thursday, July 20th at noon ET in room 2044 of the Rayburn House Office Building.
The quest to enhance human beauty with eye makeup began thousands of years ago. Today it continues with an unremitting passion. But research has shown there is also a dark side to cosmetics. Over 12,000 chemicals are used in these formulations. Many of these compounds are synthetic and industrial chemicals, and less than 20% have been shown to be safe. A number of the ingredients in these products may act as allergens, carcinogens, endocrine disruptors, immunosuppressants, irritants, mutagens, toxins, and/or tumor promoters, and may damage the ocular surface. Indeed, multiple adverse reactions to eye cosmetics may occur, including dry eye disease.
In addition, there are numerous cosmetic procedures for the eye, including eyelash curling, dyeing, tinting, and perming, botulinum toxin, filler, and platelet-rich plasma injections, chemical peels, conjunctival tattooing, eyelid piercing and tattooing, microdermabrasion, microneedling, and skin resurfacing and tightening. A number of these procedures may also be associated with adverse ocular events and dry eye disease. Unfortunately, relatively few people are aware of these ocular hazards.
This Congressional Briefing will highlight the conclusions and recommendations of the recently published report, entitled "TFOS Lifestyle: Impact of cosmetics on the ocular surface." The Briefing will include a panel of Experts, who will discuss the possible adverse effects of eye cosmetics and procedures, the need for far more research into the effects of cosmetics on the ocular surface, and the necessity for consumer education, to stress that the eyelids and ocular surface require thoughtful and special care.
Mainstream cosmetics can be a significant risk factor for the development of dry eye disease, which affects over 40 million individuals in the United States alone, and is one of the leading causes of patient visits to eye care providers. Moderate-to-severe dry eye has serious implications for an individual's quality of life, often causing pain, limitations in daily activities, reduced vitality, overall decline in health, and even depression. There is currently no cure for dry eye disease. However, managing its signs and symptoms is achievable, and lifestyle adjustments can greatly contribute to this effort.
As July is Dry Eye Awareness Month, throughout the month, the vision community has organized various events aimed at raising awareness about the escalating global impact of dry eye disease. Policymakers are being engaged to heighten their understanding of dry eye disease and the pressing need to support research initiatives that can enhance patient outcomes. The organizations participating in the recognition of July 2023 as Dry Eye Awareness Month and actively engaging in awareness and educational activities include:
Alliance for Eye and Vision Research
American Academy of Ophthalmology
American Academy of Optometry
American Autoimmune Related Diseases Association
American Optometric Association
Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology |
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Healthy Women
Prevent Blindness
Prevention of Blindness Society of Metropolitan Washington
Research to Prevent Blindness
Sjögren’s Foundation
Tear Film & Ocular Surface Society |
AEVR and TFOS thank the sponsors and supporters that are helping to bring this Congressional Briefing to fruition, including Genentech, Association for Research and Vision for Ophthalmology, and Research to Prevent Blindness.
To reserve your attendance for this briefing, please RSVP to AEVR at Events@eyeresearch.org.
About AEVR
The Alliance for Eye and Vision Research (AEVR), a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, is dedicated to educating and raising awareness about the value of vision research through its Research Saving Sight, Restoring Vision Initiative. For more information, please visit the Alliances' website at www.eyeresearch.org.
About TFOS
Founded in 2000, the Tear Film & Ocular Surface Society is a world leader in eye health education headquartered in Boston. A 501(c)3 non-profit foundation, TFOS is dedicated to advancing the research, literacy, and educational aspects of the scientific field of the eye’s surface. More information about the TFOS Report “A Lifestyle Epidemic: Ocular Surface Disease” is available at www.tearfilm.org