False Eyelashes – Good or Bad?
Women choose false eyelashes or eyelash extensions for a lot of reasons. They can create a glamorous, high-fashion look, make the eyes stand out and appear more expressive, or serve as a temporary solution for naturally short, sparse, or light-colored lashes. False eyelashes can also give the eyes a more youthful and captivating appearance.
Although it’s possible to use fake eyelashes safely, they can present significant risks to your eye health. Fake eyelashes can cause soreness, eye infections, allergic reactions, and in some instances, more severe eye conditions. It’s vital to exercise caution with anything that comes close to your eyes and to recognize when to give your eyes a rest.
While the appeal of longer and fuller lashes is undeniable, complications may necessitate a visit to the optometrist for a check-up. If you’re considering eyelash extensions or false lashes, it’s important to be aware of the potential risks involved.
Why We Have Eyelashes
Our natural eyelashes play a vital role in protecting our eyes. They are specifically designed to minimize airflow into the eyes, shield them from sweat and rain, and provide a barrier against sunlight. The curved shape and strategic placement of eyelashes contribute to the protection of our eyes from these external factors.
Eyes are naturally moist due to a protective tear film. Excessive airflow can lead to the evaporation of this moisture, resulting in dry eyes, and allowing dust and debris to enter. Eyelashes assist in regulating the airflow across the eyeball, keeping your eyes moist and safe from potentially harmful bacteria and reducing the risk of eye infections. Lacking eyelashes would significantly increase the difficulty of maintaining eye health.
The Risks of Wearing Fake Eyelashes
Eyelashes play a crucial role in safeguarding your eyes and your vision. However, false eyelashes can jeopardize your sight. If you wear fake eyelashes or are thinking about it, be aware that having a foreign object near your eye poses certain risks. The most common issues arising from false lashes include:
Eye Infections
Eye infections can occur when bacteria accumulate under eyelash glue or on the false lashes themselves. Storing and reusing false lashes, or dropping them onto a surface before application, increases the risk of introducing harmful bacteria and debris into the eye. Infections may also result from neglecting to clean your eyelids after removing artificial lashes, or from sharing them with a friend, leading to cross-contamination and conditions like styes or conjunctivitis.
After your lash application appointment, infections are a risk and can present several uncomfortable symptoms, potentially escalating to a vision-endangering corneal ulcer. Infections often occur due to inadequate hygiene practices by the aesthetician. To avoid complications, opt for a certified technician who sterilizes their tools and adheres to stringent hygiene standards. Signs of an infection include:
• Redness
• Swelling
• Pain or discomfort
• Itching
• Discharge
• Watery eyes
• Blurred vision
If you suspect an infection, consult your optometrist for a diagnosis and an effective treatment regimen to alleviate your symptoms.
Allergic Reactions
Some people may have an allergic reaction to the adhesive used for eyelash extensions, which often contains formaldehyde, while some may be allergic to the fibers used in the fake eyelashes themselves. Reactions can include stinging, burning, swelling, or a rash. In severe cases, an emergency room visit is necessary to prevent vision loss or other complications.
Typically, irritation occurs within the first 48 hours after application. Common symptoms affecting the eyelids and eyes are:
• Tearing
• Irritation
• Redness
• Itchiness
• Swelling
• Watery eyes
These symptoms usually do not resolve without intervention. If an allergic reaction occurs, it may be necessary to have an aesthetician remove the false lashes or extensions. An optometrist should be consulted to examine the eyes and identify the cause of the symptoms.
Damage to Your Natural Lashes
Wearing false eyelashes can lead to the temporary or permanent loss of your own natural lashes. The added weight of fake lashes on your natural lash line can result in traction alopecia, which is the premature shedding of lashes due to follicle damage. The risk increases with longer and denser false lashes. Removing the fake lashes can also break your natural lashes and harm the follicles. If that happens, your own lashes may never grow back.
Eyelid and Ocular Surface Inflammation
Another hazard linked to false eyelashes and lash extensions is the potential for eyelid and ocular surface inflammation. Longer lashes may cause an increase in airflow over the eye’s surface, which can dry out the eyes and cause irritation.
It’s a common misconception that false lashes don’t need maintenance; however, this isn’t true. Extensions can accumulate debris and bacteria close to the lash line.
If you don’t clean your extensions, it can lead to the development of blepharitis.
Blepharitis is the inflammation of the eyelids, leading to many uncomfortable symptoms including:
• Watery eyes
• Red eyes
• Eyes that burn, sting, or feel gritty
• Eyelids that appear greasy
• Red, swollen eyelids
• Flakey skin
• Crusted eyelashes
• More frequent blinking
• Light sensitivity
• Blurry vision
Untreated blepharitis can heighten the risk of styes, infections, and dry eyes.
Eye Injuries
Eye injuries can occur when small objects are placed near the eye, posing a risk of corneal damage. For instance, irritation from fake eyelashes can scratch the cornea. Thickened glue or decorative materials like glitter may flake into the eye, causing discomfort and potential infection.
Additional Risks
Tool Damage
While some people apply their lashes using fingers, others opt for tweezers or similar implements. Applying fake eyelashes takes a steady hand, and the proximity of these tools to the eyes could cause an injury.
Bacterial Contamination
Germs and bacteria can be transferred from your hands to your eyes or eyelashes. It’s crucial to wash your hands thoroughly before touching your eye area to reduce the chance of bacterial infection.
Tips For Protecting Your Eye Health
The easiest way to avoid the eye problems associated with false eyelashes is to not wear them. However, if you choose to, ensure your eyes are protected by following these guidelines to safeguard your eye health:
• Have a certified professional apply your extensions in a sanitary setting.
• Confirm that your technician practices proper hygiene and uses sterilized equipment.
• If you have sensitive skin or allergies, request a patch test to avoid allergic reactions.
• Inquire about the adhesive’s ingredients to avoid allergic reactions and irritation.
• Use only safe, formaldehyde-free glue.
• Apply the minimal recommended glue amount without overdoing it.
• Avoid lashes with glitter, rhinestones, or any decor that could fall into your eye.
• Purchase only high-quality lashes without any damage.
• Never sleep in false eyelashes.
• Remove the lashes gently.
• Clean the eyelids thoroughly after lash removal.
• Do not share your lashes.
• Limit the use of false lashes.
If you experience irritation despite these precautions, stop using the same brand of eye makeup or false lashes. Rest your eyes until they fully recover before trying a new brand with different ingredients to prevent severe allergic reactions and infections.
Staying safe and avoiding excessive use of fake eyelashes is the best way to enjoy these glamorous accessories without harming your eyes.
Signs You Have an Eye Problem
Despite our best intentions and careful practices, complications with eye care can still occur. If you develop any of the following symptoms after wearing fake eyelashes, you should see an eye doctor immediately: Occasionally, even with diligent eye care, issues can arise. If you experience any of the symptoms listed below after using false eyelashes, consult an eye doctor without delay:
• Pain
• Redness
• Soreness
• Sensitivity to light
• Discharge
• Fever
• Blurred vision
• Swelling
We Are Here to Help.
Contact Your Trusted Eye Doctor Today!
It’s important to protect your eyes in any way that you can, and the professionals at Wise Eyes Optical can guide you on how to safeguard your vision while ensuring you look and feel great. If you’re using false lashes and notice any issues, schedule an appointment immediately.
Contact Wise Eyes Optical
Your Hometown Vision Center Serving Central Pennsylvania
At Wise Eyes Optical, your health is our priority, and we are here to help you achieve the best possible vision for life. If you’re experiencing eye discomfort or other vision-related issues, contact the experts at Wise Eyes Optical. Our specialists handle a range of conditions, from minor irritations to major eye concerns. We provide professional eye and vision care services, including medical eye treatments, personalized eyeglass and contact lens fittings, eyeglass repairs, and a wide array of other services. Renowned for outstanding care and service, your neighborhood Wise Eyes Optical is equipped to meet all your vision care requirements. If you have questions or would like to learn more, reach out to your nearest Central Pennsylvania Wise Eyes Optical office. For assistance, call (717) 242-1915.
