Pseudomonas corneal ulcer. The causative role of contaminated eye cosmetics
F. R. Reid and T. O. Wood
The clinical significance of contaminated ocular cosmetics is illustrated
by the case of a 47-year-old woman in whom a Pseudomonas corneal ulcer
developed immediately after she sustained minor corneal trauma with a
mascara applicator. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was cultured from the corneal
ulcer and the mascara. In addition to the causative role in acute corneal
ulcers, contaminated eye cosmetics contribute to chronic external eye
infections. Retail eye cosmetics are typically free of contamination when
purchased. The inoculation of the cosmetic occurs during normal use.