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  • Academy Cautions About Improper Use of Products In or Around the Eye

    Published Apr. 25, 2014

    The American Academy of Ophthalmology is reminding consumers to only use products in and around their eyes that are approved specifically for that purpose.

    Products approved for use near or in the eye must adhere to the highest regulatory standards. Using products that are not designed for such use increases the risk of irritation, discomfort and infection. This can also lead to loss of vision.

    The American Academy of Ophthalmology urges consumers to avoid placing any foreign body or material in or around the eye that is not proven to be medically safe or approved by the FDA.

    Specific risks of misusing products in or around the eye include:

    • Impaired vision
    • Eyelid and eyeball pain and infection, conjunctivitis
    • Bleeding in or around the eye
    • Perforation/puncture of the eye
    • Blindness

    Anyone who has questions regarding products used in or around the eye is encouraged to contact an ophthalmologist – a medical doctor who specializes in the diagnosis, medical and surgical treatment of eye conditions. To find an American Academy of Ophthalmology member ophthalmologist near you, visit Find an Ophthalmologist.