Artificial eyelashes can significantly harm the eye
Longer and thicker, better: Artificial lashes are currently in fashion. However, the desire for a seductive eye look carries health risks. Not infrequently, eyelash extensions result in red, swollen eyes.
Long, dense eyelashes are considered attractive and sexy, especially for women. Not everyone is naturally blessed with a voluminous eye make-up. Therefore, eyelash extensions are very popular. Almost every cosmetics studio now offers so-called Lash Extensions, drugstores sell sets of "natural" to "Butterfly" and in social media, one finds countless instructions on how to best drape the artificial hairs around the eye. However, experts and specialists warn: artificial lashes carry health risks.
Eyelashes serve not only for appearance but also perform important functions. The eye is constantly exposed to environmental influences and is therefore a popular entry point for bacteria and viruses. Eyelashes, also called eyelids, act as a protective shield. They prevent bacteria, dust particles, and other foreign substances from entering the eye by drawing moisture from the surface of the eyelid.
It is normal for individual hairs to fall out occasionally. The growth cycle of eyelashes lasts four to six months, and their lifespan is 100 to 150 days. Eyelashes grow continuously, but perhaps not as voluminously as some women would like. Therefore, many women turn to artificial alternatives.
Allergies and Inflammations
Eyelash extensions can be made of various materials. For example, synthetic fibers such as Nylon or plastic are used. However, there are also artificial lashes made of natural fibers, such as silk or mink. The latter may raise concerns from animal rights activists, but neither the animal hair nor the other materials are harmful in themselves. The problem arises when applying them. For this purpose, adhesive is usually used.
Adhesives can trigger allergic reactions, says Adam Taylor from Lancaster University in the science platform "The Conversation". "But even if there is no allergy, the chemicals can irritate the sensitive eye area - especially when the eyelash glue gets into the eyes." Even tiny amounts can cause problems. Therefore, great care should be taken with self-applied artificial lashes.
According to a study, more than 60 percent of women reported keratoconjunctivitis after using eyelash glue in their eyes. Keratoconjunctivitis is an eye disease in which both the cornea and the conjunctiva become inflamed. The eye weeps, is red, reacts sensitively to light, and the eyelids cannot be moved properly. In the same study, 40 percent of women reported an allergic reaction to the glue.
Formaldehyde in the Adhesive
Another health risk are the ingredients of the eyelash adhesive. Various preservatives are used to keep the product stable and prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi. One of them is formaldehyde - a toxic substance that can cause skin irritation and may possibly cause genetic defects.
Researchers at the University of Minnesota tested 37 eyelash adhesives for consumers and professional users in 2022. It was found that 75 percent of the 20 professional adhesives and 4 of the 17 consumer adhesives released harmful formaldehyde. In some products that contained formaldehyde, it was not even listed as an ingredient.
Preservatives in glue can cause skin irritations or even eyelid erosions, according to Professor Taylor. In this case, the cell layer on the surface of the horny layer, also known as the epithel, separates from the layer below. This condition is painful and can impair vision.
The most common complication of eyelash extensions is blepharitis - an inflammation of the eyelids, as per the expert. The eyelids have meibomian glands, which secrete a protective, oily substance that shields the eye from bacterial accumulation. When these meibomian glands are obstructed, for example by eyelash glue, the eyelids become red, burn, and swell. In addition, scales form and the eyelashes may fall out at the inflamed site.
Demodex Mite Infestation
The cause of blepharitis is usually the colonization of the eyelids and eyelash roots with Demodex mites. According to the Munich Eye Center, more than 80% of patients with chronic blepharitis and dry eyes were found to have a Demodex mite infestation. These parasites possess fat-splitting enzymes (lipases). The by-products of these specific lipases further promote bacterial growth on the eyelids. This, in turn, intensifies the inflammation and can lead to further bacterial infections such as lid margin granulomas.
A Demodex mite infestation can be caused by poor hygiene conditions in cosmetics studios, says Taylor. For instance, if the eyelash curler was not properly cleaned, the mites can spread from one eyelash to another. "They then spread particularly when the natural eyelash function - for example, through glue - is impaired."
Therefore, anyone who wants to get eyelash extensions is advised to turn to a reputable cosmetics studio with high hygiene standards, as per the expert. "And for those who do not want to take any health risks and value their natural eyelashes, it is best not to make it a habit."
After prolonged use of eyelash extensions, some individuals may develop an education on how to maintain eyelash hygiene to reduce health risks. Regularly cleaning the eyelid area and avoiding shared eyelash tools can help prevent the spread of Demodex mites and bacterial infections. Furthermore, staying informed about the materials and chemicals used in eyelash extensions, such as the presence of formaldehyde in adhesives, can help individuals make more informed decisions about their eye health.
