More than meets the eye: eyelash extensions & dry eye disease
(I-MED Pharma)
Long eyelashes have been a staple of beauty and cosmetic focus for centuries. Mascara, false lashes, magnetic lashes, and more have risen in popularity to achieve fuller, longer, and thicker lashes. With that has come the rise of eyelash extensions, which is a cosmetic procedure where synthetic eyelashes are individually applied onto real eyelashes. These synthetic eyelashes, made of either mink, silk, or nylon are glued individually using composite glue. Albeit its popularity, there are many associated ocular risks, including blepharitis from eyelash extensions, eye irritation, allergic reactions, and more that can cause or exacerbate symptoms of dry eye disease.
Eyelash extensions and dry eyes
Dry eye affects millions of people worldwide. It occurs when the eyes do not produce enough tears or do not produce the right quality of tears. This can cause a wide array of symptoms including ocular dryness, irritation, inflammation, and blurred vision that can have serious negative impacts on quality of life.
Dry eye disease can be caused or exacerbated by many factors, one of them being the application of eyelash extensions. Due to the proximity of the extensions to the ocular surface, eyelash extensions can affect the composition of the tear film based on certain ingredients causing a negative reaction, or from the weight and length of the lashes themselves. A study from the Georgia Institute of Technology titled “Eyelashes divert airflow to protect the eye” finds that the optimal eyelash length is one-third the width of the eye for humans and 21 other mammals. [1] Anything shorter or longer increases airflow around the eye and leads to more dust hitting the surface. [2] Since eyelash extensions are meant to surpass the length of the natural lash, this then allows for more air, dust, and debris to enter directly to the eye without the protection that the natural lashes are meant for. Plus, as mentioned, eyelash extensions are placed on top of the natural lash, causing added weight. This added weight can cause extra stress and irritation to the eye which could exacerbate symptoms.
Red eyes after eyelash extensions: allergies & infections
Eye irritation from eyelash extensions have been associated with allergic contact dermatitis, eyelash loss, eyelash base calcification, blepharitis, conjunctivitis, corneal abrasions and keratitis. [3] This is because the glues involved contain sensitizing ingredients such as formaldehyde, cyanoacrylate, ammonia, lead and latex, all of which are known to be able to trigger allergies. [4] These allergic reactions can cause major ocular problems from itching, redness, to swelling, and inflammation. Finally, the glue from eyelash extensions also takes a few hours to solidify post-application, which gives these ingredients time to migrate to the ocular surface.
Blepharitis from eyelash extensions
Blepharitis is the inflammation of the eyelids and can be caused by several reasons ranging from bacterial to viral causes. According to a 2019 study by the journal of medical hypothesis discovery and innovation in ophthalmology, titled “Eyelid Cosmetic Enhancements and their Associated Ocular Adverse Effects” 79% of instances studied had complications with lash extensions, the most common being allergic blepharitis. It can be surmised that most people are most likely experiencing an allergic reaction to the glue that adheres to the lashes, and researchers also suspect that the weight of the lashes themselves cause added irritation. [5] As previously noted, lash glue contains harmful ingredients that can exacerbate these symptoms of discomfort and irritation. The 2019 study also estimated that 73% of people experience a variety of discomfort post-eyelash extension applications. Symptoms include itching, redness, pain, and eyelid heaviness.
Improper ocular hygiene & aftercare
Proper ocular hygiene is paramount with eyelash extensions. Makeup, dirt, dust and pollution can collect much easier between the lashes themselves due to their increased length and volume. It is vital to keep them clean by cleaning the lashes daily. There is a common misconception that cleaning the eyelash extensions themselves will cause them to fall out or rip out faster, thus needing a refill sooner. However, lashes that are dirty or poorly maintained will typically fall out faster, in clumps, and have a higher chance of ripping out the natural lash as well. Clean, properly maintained eyelash extensions will last longer, and will reduce the chance of damaging the natural eyelash, as well as reduce the chance of infection.
How to keep lashes clean and healthy with eyelash extensions
Using I-LID ‘N LASH® wipes or pump from I-MED Pharma is a great way to ensure that your lids and lashes stay healthy, clean, and moisturized. As a water-based formula, it is safe for eyelash extensions and will not affect the glue. If you are already suffering from dry eye disease, make sure to keep up with your dry eye regimen by using preservative-free eye drops to ensure additional moisture and hydration to the eye. I-DROP® viscoadaptive, preservative free artificial tears such as I-DROP® PUR is effective for those suffering from mild to moderate dry eye. For people suffering from moderate to severe dry eye, I-DROP® PUR GEL is a great gel eye drop. Finally, in cases of inflammation and redness from eyelash extensions, a cold eye mask can help in reducing symptoms. I-RELIEF™️ HOT & COLD THERAPY EYE MASK with Thermabeads™️used cold, is a great way to reduce inflammation and redness while being comfortable and delicate on the face even with eyelash extensions.
Unfortunately, there are no rules or requirements in Canada when it comes to lash certifications, meaning anybody can certify anyone (including certifying themselves). [6] For this reason, it’s incredibly important to do your research prior to choosing an aesthetician to get this procedure done. It’s equally as important to commit to proper aftercare including an appropriate ocular hygiene routine to avoid infections, and other complications.
To learn more about I-MED Pharma’s line of dry eye products, speak to your eye care provider or find a clinic near you.
[1] Guillermo J. Amador , Wenbin Mao , Peter DeMercurio , Carmen Montero , Joel Clewis , Alexander Alexeev , David L. Hu. Eyelashes divert airflow to protect the eye. Journal of the Royal Society Interface, 2015 DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2014.1294
[2] Guillermo J. Amador , Wenbin Mao , Peter DeMercurio , Carmen Montero , Joel Clewis , Alexander Alexeev , David L. Hu. Eyelashes divert airflow to protect the eye. Journal of the Royal Society Interface, 2015 DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2014.1294
[3] David A. Sullivan, Alexandre X. da Costa, Ester Del Duca, Tracy Doll, Christina N. Grupcheva, Sihem Lazreg, Su-Hsun Liu, Selina R. McGee, Rachna Murthy, Purvasha Narang, Alison Ng, Steven Nistico, Leslie O’Dell, Jonathan Roos, Joanne Shen, Maria Markoulli. (2023). TFOS Lifestyle: Impact of cosmetics on the ocular surface. The Ocular Surface. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtos.2023.04.005. (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1542012423000319)
[4] David A. Sullivan, Alexandre X. da Costa, Ester Del Duca, Tracy Doll, Christina N. Grupcheva, Sihem Lazreg, Su-Hsun Liu, Selina R. McGee, Rachna Murthy, Purvasha Narang, Alison Ng, Steven Nistico, Leslie O’Dell, Jonathan Roos, Joanne Shen, Maria Markoulli. (2023). TFOS Lifestyle: Impact of cosmetics on the ocular surface. The Ocular Surface. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtos.2023.04.005.
(https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1542012423000319)
[5] Hullett, A. (2023, January 26). Blepharitis from Eyelash Extensions: How to Treat and Prevent It. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/blepharitis-from-eyelash-extensions#why-it-happens
[6] Eyelash Extension Regulations. NALA. (n.d.). https://www.nala-lashassociation.com/regulations-canada
