The mistake he made before bed turned his life upside down!

Sarah Koseki, who lives in Idaho, a state of the ABD, said that a habit she has pursued for many years may have seriously affected her eye health. From her youth, Koseki, who has been doing intense eye makeup and often sleeps without removing it, is now battling a chronic eye condition.

The problems in Koseki’s eyes emerged after the trip she took to Mexico in 2021. Initially, her complaints of corneal lacerations were thought to stem from genetic factors or age‑related eye degeneration.

However, after the corneal lacerations recurred roughly every three months, Koseki sought an ophthalmologist, who in 2022 diagnosed her with Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD).

Her daily life was severely affected.

The Meibomian glands in the eyelids, which produce an oily layer that slows the rapid evaporation of tears and keeps the eye surface moist, malfunction when they do not work properly, leading to dryness, irritation and various problems on the eye surface.

There is no definitive cure that can completely eliminate Meibomian gland dysfunction, a condition regarded as a chronic ailment; however, its symptoms can be managed through regular care and various treatment methods administered under professional supervision.

The corneal ruptures Koseki has endured have, at times, brought his life to a halt. He said that during the attacks he was unable to work for roughly 48 hours, could not drive, and even struggled to read books to his children, and that he had to wait in a dark room because of severe pain.

Describing the pain he has felt as 'unbearable', Koseki said he would prefer a rebirth rather than going through another corneal rupture.

Makeup residue could have affected the glands.

In discussing the possible causes of his illness with his doctor, Koseki learned that his long‑standing habit of eye makeup could have contributed to the development of the condition.

Koseki said that in his youth he used heavy eyeliner, applied winged eye makeup, and drew a pencil into the inner corner of his eye, and that he often slept without removing his makeup. According to information from his specialist, makeup residue can block the openings of the Meibomian glands located along the edges of the eyelids, eventually impairing their function over time.

Koseki warned others with similar habits, saying, 'If I had known this could lead to something like this, I would have made it a habit to clean my face and eyes at night.'

Experts recommend gently cleansing makeup around the eyes before applying it, avoiding sharing cosmetic products used on the eyes with others, and regularly replacing products that have been used for an extended period. Those experiencing persistent dryness, puffiness, redness, or pain should seek an ophthalmologist.