What are the side effects of eyelash extensions on the eyes?

A new study links continuous use of eyelash extensions to increased Demodex mites, eye irritation, and disruption of the eyelid glands.

According to ambassador Arjan; Eyelash extensions have become one of the most common beauty procedures, but their continuous use may not be without cost to the health of the eyes and eyelids. A new study shows that regular use of eyelash extensions is associated with increased eye irritation and discomfort, eyelid gland disorders, and a higher number of skin mites.

To investigate the effect of eyelash extensions, researchers compared women aged 18 to 35 who used them regularly with women who did not have extensions. The conditions of their eye surface, eyelids, tear film and meibomian glands were evaluated.

One of the remarkable findings was the increase of demodex in people who regularly had eyelash extensions. Demodex is a very small mite that can live naturally on the skin and around hair follicles, and the presence of a small number of it is not necessarily considered a disease.

But the excessive increase of these mites can be associated with inflammation of the eyelid edge, itching, redness and other eye problems.

Researchers believe that eyelash extensions make it more difficult to completely clean the edge of the eyelid and the root of the eyelashes, and provide a more suitable environment for the accumulation of fat, cosmetics and the increase of mites.

What is the relationship between eyelash extensions and dry eyes?

Another problem that the researchers observed was more disturbance in the functioning of the meibomian glands. These very small glands on the edge of the eyelid secrete a fatty substance that is placed on the surface of the tear and prevents its rapid evaporation.

When the opening of these glands is blocked or their function is reduced, tears evaporate faster and the possibility of dryness, burning and feeling of presence of a foreign body in the eye increases.

Eyelash extension users also showed more signs of eye surface irritation and tear film instability.

Should I give up eyelash extensions?

These findings do not mean that every person who has eyelash extensions will develop eye diseases. This study has shown the connection between regular use of extensions and some eye and eyelid problems, and more research is needed to determine the exact cause and effect relationship.

However, maintaining the hygiene of the eyelids and eyelashes is very important. Leaving the extension for a long time, not cleaning properly around the eyelashes and using inappropriate products can increase the probability of the problem.

If symptoms such as persistent redness, itching, burning, discharge, feeling of a foreign body or extreme dryness of the eye occur after eyelash extension, it is better to have the eye checked by a specialist instead of ignoring the symptoms.