The 4 Terrifying Hidden Dangers of Eyelash Extensions – From Eyelash Mites to Corneal Erosion to Cancer

Long, thick, glamorous eyelashes are very fashionable.

Eyelash extensions are one of the many ways people are now growing their eyelashes to new lengths.

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Typically, those who wear extensions will have synthetic, faux mink, or silk fibers attached to each lash strand.

And unlike their predecessors, false eyelashes, extensions promise to make your lashes look fuller and darker for weeks—no daily reapplication or mascara required.

“Eyelash extensions are generally safe,” consultant ophthalmologist Mr Alex Day tells The Sun, “as long as you have them done at a reputable clinic with an experienced beautician.”

“Be mindful of basic gestures like hand washing and ask if the tongs are single-use or if they are sterilized between each client,” he added.

An inexperienced beautician can leave you in a sticky situation.

Last month, a model was left blind and had to have her eyeball removed after a botched eyelash waxing session, according to a cautionary tale in the Mirror.

“The doctor asked me if I was ready or not,” Bari told local media.

“At that moment, I was shocked. What did he mean? But eventually, I understood that he meant that he was removing my eye.

“He already told me that I would never be able to see out of my affected eye again, whether I kept it or not.”

We can’t say for sure what caused Bai’s horrific infection, but what we do know is that she’s far from the only one who has terrifying reactions to false eyelashes.

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1. People had their eyes glued together…

Proper application of eyelash extensions is crucial.

Extensions are attached using glue and if not applied correctly by the lash technician it can lead to problems.

There have been reports of women having their eyelids glued shut with eyelash glue.

This can cause the eyelash extensions to pull out your natural lashes, which is probably not the look you were going for.

What’s more worrying is that the adhesive could come into contact with the surface of the eye, which could lead to serious problems.

In a Japanese study, more than 60% of women reported keratoconjunctivitis after getting eyelash glue in their eyes.

Keratoconjunctivitis is a condition involving inflammation of the cornea, the protective layer covering the eye.

This can make your vision blurry and your eyes sensitive to light for weeks.

The same study found that 40% of women had an allergic reaction to the glue, which can also cause eyelids to stick together.

Alex recommends always doing a skin test at least 24-48 hours before your appointment.

“This will ensure that you don’t have a reaction to the glue.

“Eyelash extensions are often applied at the same time as a tint, so you should also do a patch test to find out what chemicals are used in the tint.

“If your clinic or esthetician does not offer this, I highly recommend looking for another provider.”

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2. Glue can cause cancerr’

Some eyelash glues have been found to contain cancer-causing chemicals.

One study tested 37 over-the-counter and professional eyelash glues for formaldehyde, a chemical known to potentially trigger cancer.

Surprisingly, experts found that 75% of 20 professional glues used in salons released formaldehyde.

In tests of home kits, four of 17 glues contained the dangerous chemical.

There have also been alarming cases where a much stronger nail glue was used instead of a proper eyelash adhesive.

In a shocking incident, a woman’s eyelids were left stuck together after an illegal beautician in Phuket, Thailand, used superglue to apply her eyelash extensions.

“Eyelash extensions are not regulated like some cosmetic procedures,” Alex says. “So ask where they and the glue were made. I always prefer products made in Europe or the United States.”

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3. Glue can erode your cornea…

The preservatives in glue can be harmful to your eyes.

They can lead to conjunctivitis, a common eye infection also known as pink eye, and even cause the top layer of cells on your cornea to peel off.

This painful disease can seriously affect your eyesight.

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4. You can get eyelash mites…

Neglecting your eyelashes when you get home can lead to a scary infestation of eyelash mites.

These microscopic critters, known as Demodex, may look like something out of a horror movie, but they live on everyone.

Demodex mites live in the pores of your face, feed on the sebum you produce and reproduce while you sleep.

They are attracted to oils that build up on the lashes and can overpopulate if the lashes are dirty.

So, not washing your eyelashes properly can lead to a buildup of these eight-legged creatures, causing inflammation and itching along the eyelids.

To keep your lashes clean, Alex recommends gently brushing them and cleaning them daily with an oil-free cleanser.

“Always try to pat them dry and avoid rubbing them,” he says.

“If you have any concerns about an infection or complication, see a doctor.”