Long, fluttering eyelashes have become a popular beauty trend, but experts are warning that it may come with risks to eye health. Eyelash extensions and false eyelashes have gained popularity among celebrities, artists, and beauty enthusiasts, creating fuller, more dramatic eyes. However, researchers and eye specialists say repeated use can lead to irritation, infections, eyelash loss, and other complications.
A study of young women who regularly wear eyelash extensions found that most had Demodex folliculorum, microscopic mites that live around hair follicles. The mites can contribute to demodicosis, a condition associated with skin irritation. The findings, presented at the 44th Congress of the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (ESCRS), also highlighted eye irritation and problems involving the meibomian glands.
Dr. Tetiana Zhmud, from the Department of Ophthalmology at National Pirogov Memorial Medical University, Vinnytsia, Ukraine, surveyed 345 women aged 16 to 28. Almost one-quarter had used eyelash extensions, while 58 percent of users had them applied every three to four weeks. Nearly half reported discomfort, redness, tearing, or itching after the procedure.
Among women who had undergone eyelash extensions at least 10 times, 85 percent showed signs of meibomian gland dysfunction. The researchers examined eyelash samples from 25 regular users under a microscope and found Demodex folliculorum mites in all but one of them. Eighteen also showed signs of irritation, including itching, redness, swelling, and scaly skin around the lash line.
A separate observational study involving 400 female undergraduate students reported that 54 percent had experienced at least one side effect during or after wearing artificial eyelashes. The most common complaints were itching, lashes being pulled out, heavy eyelids, and red eyes. Other reported effects included a gritty or foreign-body sensation, tearing, burning, eyelid pain, and discharge.
Experts are warning that artificial eyelashes can pose hidden health and safety risks. Professor Charles Bekibele, an ophthalmologist at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, said complete sterility during application and removal could be difficult to guarantee. Dr. Bade Ogundipe, a cornea surgeon, warned that adhesive entering the eye could scratch the cornea, while some chemicals in lash glue can cause severe irritation.
Experts are recommending proper eyelid hygiene, awareness of symptoms, and timely medical assessment to mitigate risks. Dr. Zhmud recommended a preservative-free, hypoallergenic gel designed for therapeutic eyelid hygiene, used twice daily with an eyelash cleansing brush. For confirmed Demodex infestation, anti-parasitic treatment may be considered.
Key points
- Women who regularly use eyelash extensions are at risk of getting skin mites, including Demodex folliculorum.
- Repeated use of eyelash extensions can lead to irritation, infections, and other complications, including eye irritation and meibomian gland dysfunction.
- Experts recommend proper eyelid hygiene, awareness of symptoms, and timely medical assessment to mitigate risks associated with eyelash extensions.
