It would be a bit of an understatement to say lash extensions are having a moment right now.
The eyelash extension market was valued at $1.36 billion in 2020 and is projected to reach $2.31 billion by 2028. And according to a recent poll, eyelash extensions are one of the top beauty treatments requested by consumers – for example, there was a 795% increase on searches for Russian Lashes in 2019.
For the most part, lash extensions are popular for all the right reasons. When installed by a qualified and careful technician, they can be a great way to shape the eyes and keep lashes looking full and thick without the use of makeup for an extended time.
But there’s a darker side to this beauty treatment that can result in serious health concerns.
Top cosmetic eye surgeon Dr Elizabeth Hawkes has urged people to educate themselves on the safety of eyelash extensions before considering the beauty technique – after TikTok user @LilDanie.1 – real name Danie – posted a video revealing she almost lost her sight after her eyelash extensions became infected.
The video has been liked by more than 28,000 people and watched more than 700,000 times.
In the viral post, Danie revealed that two-weeks after her lash extensions, she developed a small bump on her eye, which got worse. A doctor drained the bump twice, but she was later referred to a surgical clinic, where she was told they needed to operate immediately as she was close to losing her vision.
Dr Elizabeth, a consultant ophthalmic and oculoplastic surgeon, said people need to consider eyelash extensions carefully.
She said ‘Danie’s TikTok video is extreme but there are definitely hygiene issues with having eyelash extensions and the risk of infections is increased.
‘Our eyelashes aren’t just there for aesthetic purposes, they do a vital job protecting our eyes, helping to deflect anything that is coming towards the eye that could harm it.
Dr Elizabeth says that it’s crucial to keep eyelash extensions healthy, and to wear false eyelashes sensibly. ‘The trend for wearing false eyelashes has increased dramatically in recent years, so that a lot of people think it’s OK to wear them every day,’ she said. ‘I would definitely warn against this and suggest saving false eyelashes for special occasions, rather than everyday use. Prolonged wear can damage the eyes and cause infections.’
In light of Danie’s post, and many others on TikTok showing similar risks, Dr Elizabeth wants to educate people about the safety of eyelash extensions.
In particular, it’s important to be careful of a condition called blepharitiswhich causes swollen, itchy eyelids and can be a result of poorly applied or badly cared for eyelash extensions.
‘It starts with a build up of debris and bacteria around the base of the lashes,’ she said. ‘The eyelids are unique and in between our eye lashes, we have tiny glands called meibomian, which are the tiny oil glands which line the margin of the eyelids.’
Over time, this can get clogged up and lead to lash loss.
This lack of care can also cause a sty. These occur when the eyelid gland becomes clogged. ‘With eyelash extensions, people are often very cautious about cleaning them as they don’t want to ruin the false eyelashes so blepharitis is seen more frequently,’ Dr Elizabeth added. Usually a sty does not cause much trouble but it can lead to swelling and infections.
A stay can also lead to a condition called preseptal cellulitis, which causes swelling and redness around the eye itself. Dr Elizabeth also notes that if it gets more severe, it can cause orbital cellulitis, an infection of the soft tissues of the eye socket behind the orbital septum. ‘This is sight threatening and could lead to an ophthalmic emergency,’ she stressed.
Tips for keeping eyes healthy with lash extensions
- Ensure that the person you get your lash extensions done by is a qualified lash technician. Don’t go for the cheapest option or easiest person to find on Facebook. Do your research and get the best service you can.
- Look at the reviews for the lash technician you’ve chosen. If anyone’s had bad experiences like Danie, you’d be better off picking someone else.
- Remember that beauty is not pain and if something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t. Book in a removal with a licensed eyelash technician as soon as possible if you’re in pain.
- See an optician at least once a year. You should be doing that anyway, but an optician is better equipped than the rest of us to spot any conditions or problems, so they’re definitely worth seeing if you use lash extensions.
Dr Elizabeth also adds the following tips as important safety protocol around lash extensions:
- Always make sure you are cleaning your lid. Use a cotton pad soaked in cooled boiled water. Swipe down for the upper lids and swipe up for the lower lids. This is called lid hygiene and ensures the Meibomian glands remain clean.
- When you go for lash extensions, check the glue is not old and make sure you are not allergic to any of the ingredients.
- If you are a contact lens wearer, take extra care and make sure you clean your lashes and eyes carefully.
- You shouldn’t use any oil-based products near your eyelash extensions so it’s a good idea to check your products before using them — especially eye creams and makeup removers.
Remember to always take a break from eyelash extensions. They’re not for daily use, even if you know someone who wears them all the time and appears to have no problems. Save them for special occasions or events, like a wedding, a holiday or birthdays. Invest in a good mascara the rest of the time. Your eyes (and your optician) will thank you.
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