Key Takeaways

  • Cosmetic and personal care products were associated with an estimated 42,457 emergency department visits for ocular injuries from 2005 to 2024

  • Young children faced disproportionate risks from chemical burns, with unsupervised access contributing to many injuries

  • Prevention strategies should emphasize safe product storage for children and careful handling of heated cosmetic devices among older patients

Cosmetic and personal care products were associated with an estimated 42,457 eye injuries requiring emergency department visits in the United States between 2005 and 2024, according to research presented at the 130th annual meeting of the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO).

The findings represent approximately 2,100 emergency department visits annually and highlight age-related differences in injury mechanisms that could inform prevention strategies.

Led by Aatif Syed, a medical student at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, researchers analyzed data from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System to estimate the national burden of cosmetic-related ocular injuries.

Women and girls accounted for 81.8% of injuries, and the mean patient age was 24 years. Children aged 4 years and younger represented nearly one-quarter of cases, while 63% of injuries occurred at home. Thermal burns accounted for approximately 26% of injuries, followed by chemical exposures at approximately 25%.

The analysis identified substantial differences between pediatric and adult patients. Chemical burns represented 45.8% of injuries among younger patients compared with 0.5% among adults. Children accounted for 83.2% of all chemical burns, and 70% of injuries among children aged 4 years and younger involved unsupervised access to cosmetic products.

Among adults, 90% of injuries occurred during self-application rather than professional cosmetic services.

Researchers also observed a decline in injuries involving heated products over the study period, while injuries involving another person increased.

“Cosmetic products may seem relatively low risk because they are everyday household items, but when they contact the eye, particularly chemicals or very hot devices, they can cause significant injury,” Mr. Syed said.

The findings underscore the importance of age-specific prevention efforts, including secure storage of cosmetics and sprays around young children and safer handling of heated styling devices and grooming instruments among adolescents and adults.

The AAO provides additional patient education on safe cosmetic use around the eyes through its online eye makeup safety guide.