Khaberni - Health experts have warned that eyelash extensions, which are used to lengthen and thicken natural eyelashes, can cause serious health issues for the eyes.
This cosmetic procedure, typically offered in beauty salons, involves attaching synthetic, silk, or mink fibers to natural eyelashes using strong, waterproof adhesives.
Although the extensions can last from six to eight weeks, the natural eyelashes gradually fall out as part of their growth cycle, which makes their appearance disappear without ongoing maintenance.
However, this procedure is not without risks. A report from Medscape described a case of a 38-year-old woman who had been using eyelash extensions for five years and experienced severe eye pain after undergoing a cesarean section under general anesthesia.
The eyelash extensions prevented her eyelids from completely closing during the surgery, making the use of standard eye protectors impossible. Surgeons had to cover her eyes with sterile gauze soaked in saline solution and secured with adhesive tape. After the operation, she suffered from a slight corneal defect, eyelid inflammation, and dry eyes. Despite her vision remaining normal, she described the first 48 hours after giving birth as being more painful than the surgery itself.
Some people also experience swelling and itching of the eyelids after getting eyelash extensions, which can cause redness, irritation, and scaly skin along the eyelid edge. The problem sometimes worsens when women avoid washing their eyelashes to prolong the life of the extensions, allowing bacteria and impurities to accumulate along the lash line.
Chronic eyelid inflammation is often associated with problems in the meibomian glands, which are small glands along the eyelid that help prevent rapid evaporation of tears. Damage to these glands can lead to dry eyes and increase the risk of corneal issues such as ulcers, inflammation, and scarring. Additionally, long or heavy artificial eyelashes can prevent the eyelids from fully closing, increasing irritation and damage to the eye surface.
Furthermore, some people may experience an allergic reaction to the adhesive used in the extensions, causing redness, swelling, and discomfort, and in some cases, leading to the loss of natural eyelashes.
