Regular use of artificial eyelashes and extensions may expose women to eyelid irritation, infections, natural lash loss and microscopic mites, eye specialists and researchers have warned.
The warning followed research presented at the 44th Congress of the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons, where researchers found Demodex folliculorum mites in almost all of the regular eyelash-extension users examined.
The study, led by Dr Tetiana Zhmud of the National Pirogov Memorial Medical University, Ukraine, involved 345 women aged between 16 and 28. Nearly one-quarter had used eyelash extensions, while 58 per cent of users underwent the procedure every three to four weeks.
The researchers found that 47.6 per cent of the users reported symptoms such as redness, itching, excessive tearing or discomfort after application. Among women who had undergone the procedure at least 10 times, 85 per cent showed signs of meibomian gland dysfunction, a condition that can interfere with the oily secretion needed to keep the eyes properly lubricated.
Microscopic examination of eyelash samples from 25 regular users also detected Demodex mites in all but one participant. Eighteen of the women showed signs of eyelid irritation, including itching, swelling, redness, crusting and lashes sticking together.
A separate study involving 400 female undergraduates at the University of Benin found that 54 per cent had experienced at least one problem associated with artificial eyelashes. Itching, lash loss, heavy eyelids and red eyes were among the complaints recorded.
An ophthalmologist at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, Prof Charles Bekibele, said artificial lashes could carry hygiene risks during both application and removal. He warned that poor handling could damage natural lashes, while cornea surgeon Dr Bade Ogundipe said glue entering the eye could cause serious irritation or corneal injury and, in severe cases, scarring that could affect vision.
Consultant microbiologist Dr Tinuade Ajani also warned that artificial lashes could provide conditions favourable to the proliferation of eyelash mites, particularly where oil, sweat and debris accumulate. She advised people experiencing persistent eyelid irritation to seek medical attention rather than applying chemical or anti-lice products around the eyes.
However, the researchers stressed that the presence of Demodex mites does not automatically mean a person has an eye disease, noting that the organisms can naturally occur around the eyes. They recommended proper eyelid hygiene and prompt medical assessment when persistent symptoms occur, while acknowledging that larger studies are needed to establish the relationship between eyelash extensions, mite infestation and eye health.
