Analysis of Trace Elements in Nasolacrimal Duct Tissue Using Total Reflection X-ray Fluorescence: A Pilot Study

Abstract

From a young age, many females begin to use makeup including eye cosmetics. Therefore, the use of eye cosmetics may cause the deposition of different elements into the nasolacrimal duct tissue. Extended use of cosmetic products may lead to the absorption of metals, and cause systemic effects (Bocca et al., 2014). Our collaborators at Mount Sinai hospital (Toronto, Canada) have observed women developed a larger incidence of lacrimal sac stones, than men. In this pilot study, the element concentrations of exposed and control nasolacrimal duct tissue were examined, to determine differences in elements present if any concentrations. Surgically extracted control and exposed nasolacrimal duct tissue were acid digested prior to measurement by a Total X-ray Fluorescence spectrometer. Exposed nasolacrimal duct tissue presented a significant difference in concentration only in aluminum, while bromine manganese, iron, nickel, copper, barium, lead, bismuth, calcium, chlorine, potassium and strontium portrayed no significant difference in concentrations. The similarity between concentration level could show that eye cosmetics are not a cause of adverse effects on eye health, however further research is required to fully address this observation.