How Sleeping in Makeup for Years Led to a Painful Chronic Eye Condition: One Mother's Story
A 41-year-old mother shares her experience with Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD), a chronic eye condition linked to years of sleeping in eye makeup. Learn about the symptoms, risks, and prevention tips.
When a Common Beauty Habit Becomes a Serious Health Concern
Many people have gone to bed without removing their makeup at least once. For some, it is simply a matter of convenience after a long day. However, one Idaho mother's experience highlights how a long-term beauty habit may contribute to significant eye health problems.
Sarah Koseki, a 41-year-old mother from Boise, Idaho, spent nearly two decades regularly sleeping with eye makeup on after nights out and busy days. What seemed harmless at the time eventually became part of a much larger health battle involving chronic dry eyes, recurring corneal injuries, and a diagnosis of Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD).
Her story serves as a reminder that daily habits can have long-lasting effects, especially when it comes to eye health.
The First Warning Signs
Sarah's problems began several years ago when she experienced a frightening and painful episode while traveling in Mexico. Upon waking up, she noticed that her eyelid felt stuck to the surface of her eye.
She described the sensation as similar to Velcro. When she finally managed to open her eye, she experienced severe pain that made it difficult to sleep, function, or find relief.
Initially, doctors diagnosed her with dry eyes, suggesting that genetics or aging could be the cause. While this explanation seemed reasonable, the symptoms continued to worsen over time.
What began as an isolated event soon evolved into a recurring problem.
Living With Recurring Corneal Tears
Following the initial incident, Sarah started suffering from corneal tears approximately every three months.
A corneal tear occurs when the outer surface of the eye becomes damaged. The condition can be extremely painful because the eye contains a high concentration of sensitive nerve endings.
According to Sarah, each episode would leave her unable to see properly and unable to carry out normal daily activities. The pain was so intense that she often had to retreat to a dark room for one or two days while waiting for symptoms to improve.
Simple tasks became impossible during flare-ups. Reading to her children, driving, working, or even keeping her eyes open comfortably became major challenges.
For many patients, chronic eye conditions are not just physical problems. They can also impact emotional well-being, work productivity, and quality of life. Sarah's experience demonstrates how ongoing eye pain can affect nearly every aspect of daily living.
The Search for Answers
As the episodes continued, Sarah became increasingly frustrated by the lack of clear answers.
After experiencing multiple corneal tears, including severe episodes affecting both eyes, she sought help from a specialist with expertise in corneal conditions.
A detailed examination and imaging of her eyelids eventually revealed the underlying issue: Meibomian Gland Dysfunction, commonly known as MGD.
The diagnosis finally explained years of discomfort and recurring injury.
What Is Meibomian Gland Dysfunction?
Meibomian Gland Dysfunction is a chronic condition that affects the tiny oil-producing glands located along the eyelids.
These glands produce oils that help maintain a stable tear film and prevent tears from evaporating too quickly. When the glands become blocked or fail to function properly, individuals may experience symptoms such as:
- Dry eyes
- Eye irritation
- Redness
- Excessive tearing
- Burning sensations
- Blurred vision
- Increased risk of corneal damage
In Sarah's case, a specialist believed that years of sleeping in eye makeup may have contributed to blockage of these glands, affecting their normal function.
While MGD can have multiple causes, blockage of gland openings by cosmetic residue is considered a potential contributing factor for some individuals.
The Makeup Habit That May Have Played a Role
Sarah explained that during her younger years she frequently wore heavy eye makeup, including eyeliner, eyeshadow, and mascara.
After nights out, she often went directly to bed without removing her makeup. As a side sleeper, she believes that makeup residue was repeatedly pressed into the eyelid area while she slept.
At the time, she did not recognize this as a risk. Because she had naturally clear skin, she never felt strongly motivated to maintain a strict nighttime cleansing routine.
Looking back now, she says she wishes she had understood the potential consequences.
Today, she no longer wears traditional eye makeup because she considers it too risky given her condition.
Managing a Chronic Condition
Although there is currently no cure for MGD, Sarah has developed a daily routine designed to help control symptoms and reduce the risk of future corneal tears.
Her eye care regimen includes:
- Using lubricating eye drops multiple times per day
- Cleaning her eyelids regularly
- Applying warm compresses or heat masks
- Using overnight eye ointments for moisture retention
- Following specialist-recommended eyelid hygiene practices
She compares the routine to daily dental care, emphasizing the importance of consistency.
According to Sarah, skipping even one day can lead to increased irritation and discomfort.
She has also undergone advanced treatments, including intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy, which is sometimes used to help improve gland function and reduce blockage in patients with MGD.
One treatment period reportedly provided significant relief and reduced the frequency of corneal tears for more than a year.
The Financial and Emotional Impact
One of the most challenging aspects of Sarah's journey has been the ongoing cost of treatment.
Because MGD is a chronic condition that often requires continuous management, patients may spend considerable amounts on specialist visits, therapies, eye drops, and supportive treatments.
Sarah noted that many helpful treatments are not always covered by insurance, adding to the burden of living with the condition.
Beyond the financial costs, the emotional toll of dealing with recurring pain and uncertainty can be substantial. Chronic conditions often require long-term lifestyle changes and constant vigilance to prevent flare-ups.
Eye Health Lessons Everyone Can Learn
While Sarah's experience is unique, it provides several valuable lessons about eye care and personal hygiene.
These include:
- Always remove eye makeup before sleeping.
- Follow a consistent nightly cleansing routine.
- Avoid sharing eye cosmetics.
- Replace old makeup products regularly.
- Seek medical attention for persistent dry eyes or irritation.
- Consult a qualified eye specialist if symptoms continue despite treatment.
Early intervention may help identify underlying issues before complications develop.
Final Thoughts
Sarah Koseki's story highlights how a seemingly harmless habit can become linked to a much larger health challenge over time. Her experience with Meibomian Gland Dysfunction demonstrates the importance of paying attention to eye health and seeking expert care when symptoms persist.
Although she continues to manage a chronic condition, Sarah has become an advocate for awareness and prevention. Her message is simple: taking a few minutes to remove eye makeup before bed may be a small step, but it could play an important role in protecting long-term eye health.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Individual cases vary, and readers should consult a qualified ophthalmologist, optometrist, or healthcare professional regarding any eye-related symptoms or concerns.
Source
New York Post on August 26, 2026, regarding Sarah Koseki's experience with Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD).