Sleeping with mascara and other eye makeup products on could lead to a gross and potentially dangerous reaction inside your eyelid. This article explains the risks associated with this practice.Imagine you've just returned home after partying for hours or attending a long meeting. Removing your eye makeup, particularly mascara, might feel like a daunting task. You decide to sleep with it intact, unaware of how detrimental it could be to your health. But not anymore. Recently, an eye doctor, who frequently posts about eye infections on social media, revealed a dangerous and rather ugly potential side effect of wearing waterproof mascara to bed. "Your eyelashes need to be clean because they protect the eyes. They are nourished by oil glands, and if those glands or the follicles are clogged, it can become a problem," the doctor, who goes by the name Taylor, said. In a shared video, she recounted her experience of going to bed without removing her mascara. She then advised viewers to look carefully as she moved to the side of her screen to reveal a photo of the inside of a woman's eyelid. The image showed what appeared to be mould or specks of mascara lodged in the inner side of the eyelids. She recommended that people switch to water-resistant mascara instead of waterproof ones.A study was published in the journal Ophthalmology in May 2018 wherein a 50-year-old woman developed a serious eye condition after 25 years of heavy mascara use with inadequate removal before bedtime. The mascara had formed tiny hard deposits embedded in the skin under her eyelids—some were coming out and scratching her eyeballs. The woman also developed follicular conjunctivitis — an infection of the mucus membrane that covers the eye and eyelid.ALSO READ: Other ConsequencesFailing to remove eye makeup before bed can also lead to pink eye or other bacterial and viral infections, health experts warn. Pink eye is what occurs when the thin membrane that lines the white of the eye and the eyelid becomes infected and inflamed. The condition is also called Conjunctivitis. Other common symptoms of Conjunctivitis include watery eyes, "Redness of one or both eyes, itching, and mild discomfort."There is evidence that leftover eye makeup like mascara, eyeshadow, eyeliner, or eyelash glue could irritate your eyes while you sleep. Mascara and liner clog the small hair follicles and oil glands on your eyelids which could lead to infections. Removing eye makeup can also prevent pink eye, scratched corneas, and styes. Also, improper skin care can cause wrinkles and discolouration at a young age. Skipping out on washing and cleansing your face can lead to the products sinking deeper into your pores. This will enlarge them and accelerate signs of ageing.