Who wouldn’t love having long, fluttering, effortless lashes? Celebrities, artists, and influential people are seen sporting these eye accessories. It makes the eyes pop, something that is hard to achieve using normal mascaras.
As beautiful as eyelash extensions, also known as fake eyelashes, maybe, they can enhance the appearance and create stunning eye makeup looks. However, opting for false eyelashes comes with health challenges.
A study revealed that fake eyelashes are one of the daily habits increasingly causing significant vision damage. It indicated that 54 percent of people using eyelash extensions report eye problems.
The observation study involved 400 female undergraduate students aged 15 to 30 years at the University of Benin in Benin City. It reported that 54 percent of them had experienced one or more side effects during/after artificial eyelash wear.
The most common side effects experienced were itching (38 percent), lashes pulling out (36 percent), heavy eyelids (34 percent), and red eyes (34 percent).
Other notable effects were grittiness/foreign body sensation (32 percent), tearing (24 percent), burning sensation (24 percent), pain on the eyelids (22 percent), misdirected lashes (10 percent), eyelids swelling (6 percent), a boil on eyelids (4 percent), and discharge (2 percent).
This study, published in Cureus established a significant correlation between the usage pattern of eyelash extensions and various eye side effects. It cautioned that as the usage of eyelash extensions increased, so did the likelihood of experiencing these side effects.
False eyelashes, also known as fake eyelashes or eyelash extensions, are cosmetic accessories designed to enhance the appearance of eyelashes. These artificial lashes are typically made from synthetic materials, such as synthetic fibres like nylon, silk, or polyester, or natural materials like mink or human hair.
False eyelashes come in various shapes, lengths, and densities to cater to different preferences and styles. They are typically attached to the natural lashes using adhesive glue. They achieve the appearance of thicker, more luxurious lashes without mascara or eyelash curlers.
Dr Bade Ogundipe, a cornea surgeon and consultant with University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, said eye problems or complications from opting for false eyelashes are a big concern for eye specialists, particularly cornea surgeons.
He stated that more serious eye injuries can happen if fake eyelashes irritate the cornea or if the glue thickens and falls into your eye scratching the cornea.
According to Dr Ogundipe, “Most of the time, we have irritation of the exposed part of the eye behind the eyelid. So we see irritation most of the time and the causes of the irritation are numerous. It may be due to the type of material used to attach the false lashes to the eyelid.
“Sometimes they sew it, sometimes they glue it. Some of these glues contain some chemicals that are very irritating to the eye, particularly the cornea. If this is affected, it can lead to blindness due to a scar formation on the cornea. When there is a scar, light cannot penetrate. The only way vision can be restored would be through a cornea transplant.”
Moreover, the damage he stated may be because the eyelashes themselves enter the eye when they break and cause severe irritation. It may fall off into the cornea and irritate.
Likewise, wearing false eyelashes every day can potentially be harmful to the natural lashes if not applied and removed correctly. Repeated application and removal can weaken the lash follicles, leading to potential lash loss.
“Over time, this can lead to eyelash breakage, thinning, or loss, compromising the health and appearance of the eyelashes. The functions of the eyelashes will be impacted.
“False eyelashes may also promote the development of infection of both the eyelid and the cornea; the natural eyelashes prevent some materials and organisms from entering the eye and they do it effectively,” he added.
Besides, the process of instilling false eyelashes may also cause infection to the eye. The eyes are also vulnerable to infection when touched with unwashed hands, contaminated adhesive, reused eyelashes and dirty makeup brushes.
In some individuals, he said that the adhesive ingredients and materials used in false eyelashes, such as latex or formaldehyde, can trigger allergic reactions. They may experience symptoms like redness, itching, swelling, and irritation of the eyelids and surrounding skin.
False eyelashes that are too heavy, stiff, or poorly fitted can cause eye discomfort and irritation. Excessive rubbing or tugging on the eyelids to remove or adjust false lashes can damage the delicate skin and increase the risk of corneal abrasions or eyelash loss.
Dr Ogundipe, decried children wearing false eyelashes, with a call to parents to desist from the practice.
“Seeing it in primary school children is child abuse by the parents. They are not of age to engage in practises that could be dangerous to them and all in the name of fashion.
“Children are beautiful without any of this irresponsible makeup. Imagine a five-year-old with a false eyelash. If these damages should occur, you can imagine the number of life years ahead of that child that has been compromised at such an early age in life.”
Increased awareness and education are needed regarding the potential visual health risks associated with eyelash extensions, especially among young women who frequently use them. Proper attention should be given to the application and maintenance of eyelash extensions to minimize the risk of adverse effects. This could involve training beauticians and providing guidelines for users to follow.
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