Eye On March: Autoimmune Awareness Month

From dry eyes caused by Sjögren’s Syndrome to vision-threatening inflammation in conditions like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis, these disorders can silently compromise ocular health, especially in women, underscoring the need for increased awareness, early detection, targeted care and lifestyle changes.

Understanding Autoimmune Conditions Like Sjögren’s Syndrome

For individuals with Sjögren’s syndrome, a systemic autoimmune disorder, the body mistakenly attacks its own moisture-producing glands, including the tear and salivary glands. This leads to chronic dryness in the eyes, mouth, and other areas of the body, making even everyday activities—like blinking, speaking, or wearing makeup—uncomfortable. 

Because tear production is significantly reduced, people with Sjögren’s often experience:

• Persistent dry eye symptoms (grittiness, burning, redness)
• Light sensitivity
• Increased risk of eye infections
• Difficulty wearing contact lenses or eye makeup

With the ocular surface already compromised, exposure to harsh cosmetic ingredients can exacerbate irritation, disrupt the tear film, and worsen inflammation. That’s why choosing clean, eye-safe beauty products is not just about aesthetics—it’s about protecting and maintaining ocular health.

How to Protect Your Eyes Without Sacrificing Beauty

The good news? You don’t have to choose between eye health and beauty.

Èyes Are The Story is revolutionizing the beauty industry with eye-safe, science-backed cosmetics designed for sensitive eyes and optimal ocular health.

Tips

Many conventional cosmetics contain ingredients that disrupt tear film stability, block oil-producing grands, and trigger inflammation - all of which can worsen dry eye symptoms. Here's what to watch out for:

• Hidden irritants - Many beauty products include harsh preservatives, parabens, and fragrance that trigger inflammation, leading to irritation, burning, and itching.
  
• Toxic preservatives - Ingredients like benzalkonium chloride (BAK), phenoxyethanol, and chlorphenesin—commonly found in eyeliners and mascaras—are known to damage the delicate ocular surface.
• Sensitivity triggers - Even so-called “gentle” skincare products often contain fragrances and essential oils that act as hormone disruptors and potential allergens. These can cause redness, itching, and irritation—especially for those with sensitive eyes.
• Glitter - Shimmery shadows and mica-based powders may look stunning, but metallic pigments and synthetic glitters can flake into the eyes, leading to grittiness, inflammation, and increased dryness.
  
• Expired makeup - Old makeup can become a breeding ground for bacteria and fungi, leading to eye infections and inflammation.

Let's all commemorate Autoimmune Awareness Month by sharing intel with others who may be suffering in silent. If you have dry eyes or an autoimmune condition like Sjögren’s, choose and recommend eye-friendly products like Èyes are The Story — the first optocosmetics brand specifically designed to support tear film health, delivering a safe and comfy, irritation-free beauty experience.