Posted by: North Georgia Eye Associates in Eye Conditions,News,NGEC
Be Careful: Exfoliating Scrubs Can Hurt Your Eyes
Microbeads are tiny bits of plastic that have been found in skincare products. They’re intended to be used as exfoliators to remove debris from the body and face. But if you aren’t very careful, these microbeads can become lodged in your eye, eventually scratching your cornea, the clear surface that covers the front of the eye.
Microbeads are now prohibited by U.S. law, but you might still have older products containing them in your bathroom cabinet. It’s not just microbeads; other gritty exfoliating scrubs can pose a similar danger. Common exfoliating products include apricot scrubs with walnut shell powder, pumice stones, sugar, and even coffee grounds – all of which have exfoliating particles.
If you’d like to read more about exfoliating ingredients and tips to keep your eyes safe when using them, check out this excellent article by the American Academy of Ophthalmology.
Do you think you might have scratched your eye with an exfoliating product? Corneal abrasion symptoms include:
- A feeling of grit or sand in the eye
- Excessive production of tears
- Redness of the eye
- Blurring of your vision
- Sensitivity to light
If you are experiencing those symptoms, give us a call and schedule an eye exam.
