Ocular Argyrosis After Long-Term Self-Application of Eyelash Tint
Accepted 22 July 2005. published online 31 October 2005.
Purpose
To report cases of ocular argyrosis that developed after long-term self-application of commercially available eyelash tint.
Design
Observational case series.
Methods
Case review, clinicopathologic analysis, and literature review.
Results
Three patients developed ocular argyrosis after the long-term self-application of Revlon Professional Roux Lash and Brow Tint (Colomer USA Corp, New York, New York, USA). Clinical evaluation revealed various degrees of silver deposition on the upper eyelid, lid margin, caruncle and conjunctiva, and diffuse Descemet’s membrane deposits. In one case, histologic examination demonstrated silver deposition in the basement membrane and superficial substantia propria of the conjunctiva.
Conclusions
Argyrosis can occur after long-term application of readily available eyelash tints, and the deposition of silver may be permanent. In certain circumstances, conjunctival argyrosis may simulate benign and malignant lesions, including conjunctival melanoma. These products should only be applied by trained cosmetologists.
aDepartment of Ophthalmology, University of Texas Health Sciences Center, San Antonio, Texas
bEmory University Department of Ophthalmology, Atlanta, Georgia
Inquiries to J. Bradley Randleman, MD, 1365 B Clifton Road NE, Suite 4500, Atlanta, GA 30322
Supported in part by Research to Prevent Blindness, Inc New York, New York, and the National Institutes of Health Core Grant P30 EYO6360, Bethesda, Maryland.
ABSTRACT