Severe allergic blepharoconjunctivitis induced by a dye for eyelashes and eyebrows

Purpose: To report a case of severe allergic blepharoconjunctivitis induced by a dye for eyebrows and eyelashes. Methods: A 38-year-old healthy female was examined one day after dyeing her eyebrows and eyelashes with a black cream dye intended for this purpose (FDA-approved). The patient complained of severe eye itching, redness, and epiphora. Results: Vision was 20/40 in both eyes; a moderate edema of the eyebrows and eyelid margins was noted. The conjunctiva was severely hyperemic with papillary reaction and chemosis. The corneas, anterior chambers, irides, lenses, and posterior segments were normal. The patient was treated with Dexamethasone 0.1% and ocular lubrication. After five days of treatment, the ocular symptoms improved, her vision returned to 20/20 in both eyes, and the ocular examination was within normal limits. Conclusion: FDA-approved dyes for eyebrows and eyelashes can sometimes irritate the ocular surface.