GLAMOROUSLY long, thick lashes are in fashion.
Eyelash extensions are one of the many ways people are growing their eyelashes.
Typically, those who wear extensions will have synthetic, faux mink, or silk fibers attached to each strand of their lashes.
And unlike their predecessors, false eyelashes, extensions promise to make your lashes look fuller and darker for weeks—no need for daily reapplication or mascara.
“Eyelash extensions are generally safe,” consultant ophthalmologist Mr. Alex Day tells the Sun, “as long as you get them done at a reputable clinic and with an experienced beautician.”
“Be aware of basic things like washing your hands and ask if tweezers are disposable or if they are sterilized between clients,” he added.
An inexperienced beautician can leave you in a sticky situation.
Last month, a model went blind and had to have her eyeball removed after a botched eyelash appointment, according to a cautionary tale in Mirror.
In the agonizing weeks that followed, Bai Fern, 40, was struck down by a serious infection before her eye changed color and doctors had no choice but to remove it.
“The doctor asked if I was ready or not,” Bari told local media.
“At that time, I was shocked. What did he mean? But eventually I understood that he meant the removal of my eye.
“He mentioned earlier that I would never be able to see my affected eye again whether I kept it or not.”
We can’t say exactly what caused Bai’s terrible infection, but what we do know is that she’s far from alone in having terrible reactions to falsehoods.
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1. People’s eyes were glued…
Proper application of eyelash extensions is crucial.
Extensions are attached with glue and if not applied correctly by the lash technician, they can cause problems.
There was reports of women with their eyelids stuck together with eyelash glue.
This can cause eyelash extensions to pull out your natural lashes, which is probably not the look you were going for.
More worrying, however, is that the adhesive can come into contact with the surface of the eye, causing serious problems.
On a Japanese studyMore than 60 percent of women have reported keratoconjunctivitis after putting eyelash adhesive in their eyes.
Keratoconjunctivitis is a condition that involves inflammation of the cornea, the protective layer that covers the eye.
It can make your vision blurry and make your eyes sensitive to light for weeks.
The same study found that 40% of women had an allergic reaction to glue, which can also cause eyelids to stay together.
Alex recommends always doing a patch test at least 24 to 48 hours before your appointment.
“This will ensure you don’t have a reaction to the glue.
“Eyelash extensions are often applied alongside a tint, so you should also do a patch test to check the chemicals used in the tint.
“If your clinic or esthetician doesn’t offer this, I highly recommend looking for an alternative provider.”
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2. Glue can cause cancerr’
Some eyelash glues have been found to contain cancer-causing chemicals.
A study tested 37 professional and over-the-counter eyelash glues for formaldehyde, a chemical known to potentially trigger cancer.
Surprisingly, experts discovered that 75% of 20 professional glues used in beauty salons released formaldehyde.
When they tested home kits, four of the 17 glues were found to contain the dangerous chemical.
There have also been alarming cases where much stronger nail glue was used instead of proper eyelash adhesive.
In a shocking incident, a woman’s eyelids became stuck together after a street beautician in Phuket, Thailand, used superglue to apply her eyelash extensions.
“Eyelash extensions are not regulated like some cosmetic procedures,” says Alex. “Then ask where they and the glue were manufactured – I would always prefer products made in Europe or the USA.”
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3. Glue can corrode your cornea…
Preservatives in glue can cause problems with your eyes.
They can cause conjunctivitis, a common eye infection also known as pink eye, and even cause the top layer of cells on the cornea to peel off.
This painful condition can seriously affect your vision.
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4. You can get dust mites…
Neglecting your eyelashes when you get home can lead to a scary mite infestation.
The microscopic creatures, known as Demodex, may look like something out of a horror movie, but they live in everyone.
Demodex resides in the pores of your face, feeds on the sebum you produce, and reproduces while you sleep.
They are attracted to the oil that builds up on your lashes and can overcrowd if your lashes are dirty.
Therefore, not washing your eyelashes properly can lead to build-up of these eight-legged creatures, causing inflammation and itching of the eyelids.
To keep your lashes clean, Alex advises brushing them gently and cleaning them daily with an oil-free cleanser.
“Always try to dry them and avoid rubbing,” he says.
“If you have any concerns about an infection or complication, seek medical advice.”
Are there alternatives to eyelash extensions?
By Alex Day, Consultant Ophthalmologist
Another treatment that is becoming increasingly popular is the “lash lift”.
This treatment involves aggressive chemicals and there is a possibility of injury to the eye itself if not carried out safely.
I recommend going to a reputable clinic and ensuring that the perming solutions used are regulated.
It goes without saying that you should never try to buy solutions online and try to do an eyelash lift at home.
If the formula gets into your eyes, you run the risk of chemical damage to your eyes, which could affect your vision in the long term.
This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
