Kohl Is Harmful to the Eyes

In recent years there has been a craze for using the powdered “kohl” sold by herbalists. There is a mistaken belief that kohl protects the eye from germs and even improves vision. In fact, powdered kohl has many harmful effects. In Arab countries, India and Pakistan, where powdered kohl is widely used, it is a major public health problem, and eye doctors constantly warn the public about it. Far from protecting the eye from germs, a serious eye infection called “trachoma” is more common in people who use kohl. Kohl can carry many bacteria and fungi.

Another harm of kohl is that, because it contains lead, it can cause lead poisoning. In mothers who use kohl, lead also passes to their babies through breast milk.

In some Arab and Asian countries men also use kohl. Besides being an aesthetic element, kohl arose as a measure to protect the eyes from the sun’s glare. Today, however, we should use sunglasses to protect our eyes from the sun and choose cosmetic products that have undergone clinical testing.