Health risks that can be caused by false eyelashes

False eyelashes have become very popular among women in the past few years as a way to add extra appeal to the eyes.

However, beauty experts warn of the side effects that can result from this practice.

Eyelashes (or cilia) are the most important area of ​​the eye because they prevent bacteria and viruses from entering it, protect it from dust and pollution by diverting air away from the surface of the eyeball, and keep it moisturized.

While false eyelashes are made up of individual fibers attached to each natural eyelash. Eyelash extensions can be made from a variety of materials, including natural fibers, such as silk, mink or horse hair, or synthetic fibers, such as nylon or plastic. The extensions are held in place with glue, which can lead to health complications.

Experts usually perform a patch test before applying eyelash extensions, on the wrist or behind the ear, to check for an allergic reaction to the glue. However, even if there is no allergic reaction, the chemicals in the glue can irritate the sensitive eye area.

According to one study, more than 60% of women reported keratoconjunctivitis, a condition involving inflammation of both the cornea and conjunctiva at the same time, after applying eyelash adhesive to their eyes.

The same study reported that 40% of participants had an allergic reaction to the glue.

In one of the most shocking cases of misapplication, a woman's eyelids stuck together after using glue to apply her eyelash extensions.

One study tested 37 consumer and professional eyelash glues for formaldehyde, a cancer-causing chemical.

The researchers found that 75 percent of 20 types of glue tested released formaldehyde, and that four of 17 glues also contained the chemical. Some of the glues that contained formaldehyde were not declared in their ingredients.

The preservatives in glue can cause toxic conjunctivitis and conjunctival erosion, when the layer of cells on the surface of the cornea, called the epithelium, breaks away from the layer underneath. This condition is painful and can affect vision.

However, the most common complication is inflammation or irritation of the eyelids. Changes in the natural eyelashes can lead to a stye, as the buildup of glue or bacteria can block the secretions of the follicles (the cavities from which the hair grows).

Poor salon hygiene can also lead to demodex infection, as the Demodex mite lives on some people's eyelashes and can be transmitted from one host to another. Poor hygiene of eyelash tools can also cause infection, especially if the function of the natural eyelashes is poor.

While some may ditch false eyelashes for eyelash serums that contain the hormone prostaglandin, which lengthens and thickens lashes, they do come with some health risks. They can change the color of the iris, perhaps permanently, and can lead to a loss of fatty tissue around the eye, known as prostaglandin-related periocular disease, which can give the eyes a hollow appearance and increase the appearance of dark circles.