Ophthalmology refers to the study of the eyes, so a doctor in this field would be known as an ophthalmologist (try and pronounce it, we dare you).

So if a product is ophthalmologically tested, it means that, where appropriate, it has been tested and is safe for use under or around the eyes.

You might find this on eye creams, serums, eyeshadows or eye makeup products.

Equally, that means that if you see ‘avoid contact with the eyes’ or ‘avoid use around the eye area’, it hasn’t been ophthalmologically tested, so you should avoid your eyes to avoid sensitivity, irritation or stinging.