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Comment on: Epimax-related ocular surface toxicity (EROST): the Glasgow experience

Eye volume 38, page 817 (2024)Cite this article

Subjects

We applaud Lockington and colleagues [1] for drawing attention to the ocular surface effects of topical Epimax therapy. This subject is of wide interest and was the impetus for our recently published TFOS (Tear Film & Ocular Surface Society) Lifestyle Report [2]—the culmination of a nearly 3-year global and interdisciplinary evidence-based research initiative including over 200 eye care professionals and focused on the direct and indirect impacts that everyday lifestyle choices have on ocular surface health.

Our report addressed how the use of cosmetics may exacerbate or promote the development of ocular surface and adnexal disease, and shows that many eye makeup and skincare brands contain substances toxic to the eye [2]. Eyelid skin is thin and readily permits penetration and absorption of chemicals. Cosmetics may also migrate onto the ocular surface, move into the tear film, and elicit negative effects [2].

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References

  1. Mulholland C, Macdonald E, Lockington D. Epimax-related ocular surface toxicity (EROST): the Glasgow experience. Eye. 2023. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41433-023-02620-x.

  2. Sullivan DA, da Costa AX, Del Duca E, Doll T, Grupcheva CN, Lazreg S, et al. TFOS lifestyle: Impact of cosmetics on the ocular surface. Ocul Surf 2023;29:77–130. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtos.2023.04.005.

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  3. Final report on the safety assessment of Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil. Hydrogenated Castor oil, glyceryl ricinoleate, glyceryl ricinoleate SE, ricinoleic acid, potassium ricinoleate, sodium ricinoleate, zinc ricinoleate, cetyl ricinoleate, ethyl ricinoleate, glycol ricinoleate, isopropyl ricinoleate, methyl ricinoleate, and octyldodecyl ricinoleate. Int J Toxicol. 2007;3:31–77.

  4. Gaginella TS, Haddad AC, Go VL, Phillips SF. Cytotoxicity of ricinoleic acid (castor oil) and other intestinal secretagogues on isolated intestinal epithelial cells. J Pharm Exp Therapeut. 1977;201:259–66. [256]National Toxicology Program (NTP). U.S. Department.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Tear Film & Ocular Surface Society, P.O. Box 130146, Boston, MA, 02113, USA

    Amy Gallant Sullivan

  2. FaceRestoration, 25 Harley Street, London, W1G 9QW, UK

    Rachna Murthy & Jonathan C. P. Roos

Authors
  1. Amy Gallant Sullivan
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  2. Rachna Murthy
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  3. Jonathan C. P. Roos
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Contributions

JR conceived of study. The paper was written by AS and edited by RM and JR.

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Jonathan C. P. Roos.

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Competing interests

JCPR and RM have no conflict of interest. AGS is the executive director of the TFOSS and also owner of ESSIRI Labs, a manufacturer of cosmetics focused on Eye safety. There was no funding for this research.

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Sullivan, A.G., Murthy, R. & Roos, J.C.P. Comment on: Epimax-related ocular surface toxicity (EROST): the Glasgow experience. Eye 38, 817 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41433-023-02778-4

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