Experts warn against use of artificial eyelash extensions (2025)

Experts have warned that adhesive ingredients and materials used in fixing false eyelashes, such as latex or formaldehyde, can trigger allergic reactions, irritation of the eyelids, and surrounding skin and eye infections in sensitive individuals.

They noted that improper application and poor hygiene practices when wearing false eyelashes can increase the risk of eye infections, including bacterial or fungal conjunctivitis and eyelid inflammation.

Eyelash extensions are popular cosmetic procedures that involve attaching semi-permanent false lashes to the base of natural lashes using potential acrylate glues. This procedure comes with several medical risks.

While eyelash extensions can enhance natural eyelashes’ appearance, they also pose a potential risk, particularly if not properly applied or maintained.

The Chairman of Nigerian Optometric Association Public Health Committee, Dr Kosarachi Onwe told The Guardian that eyelash extensions can influence the eyes, particularly if they are not applied or cared for correctly.

She noted that while fixing fake eyelashes has some risks associated with it like irritation by the glue or adhesive used during the application process, loose or misaligned eyelashes can fall into the eye causing scratching, tearing or corneal abrasion.

Onwe said that allergic reactions to the chemicals found in the adhesive, can lead to symptoms like redness, swelling, or itching. Also, extensions can alter the natural eyelid movement potentially reducing blink efficiency and increasing tear evaporation leading to dry eye.

She highlighted other possible risks to include dry eye syndrome as extensions can alter the natural eyelid movement potentially reducing blink efficiency and increasing tear evaporation leading to dry eye, lid margin inflammation. Also, buildup of make-up and glue residue can lead to clogged meibomian glands, which are essential for tear film stability.

Onwe warned that infections such as conjunctivitis and eyelid inflammation may arise if tools aren’t properly sterilised or if the lashes are not adequately cleaned.

According to her, it is not advisable to use eyelash extensions on children considering that their eyes and skin are more delicate, making them more susceptible to allergic reactions or complications.

She stressed that health should never be compromised for beauty and urged women to prioritise safety and cleanliness, as well as use a clean brush daily to remove debris, seek only certified professionals for application and consider reducing usage and allowing natural lashes time to recuperate.

The consultant optometrist pointed out that careful and informed use of eyelash extensions can support both beauty and eye health.

Onwe said that damage or loss to natural lashes (traction alopecia) can occur as repeated application or improper removal might compromise the health of the hair follicles causing eyelash thinning or loss.

She noted that corneal abrasion is also a risk factor and if not properly managed and can lead to other complications, which includes corneal scarring, bacterial keratitis, corneal ulcers and recurrent corneal erosion syndrome”.

To ensure safety, Onwe stressed the need for only trained and experienced technicians to handle the application or removal of eyelash extensions. She advised that glue should be applied thinly and a period of 30 seconds to one minute should be observed before placing the lashes.

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Onwe highlighted that eyelash extension should be attached, a little above the natural lash not directly on it; oily product should be avoided near the eyes, because it might break down the glue, which might migrate into the eye while the user should avoid rubbing the eyes and wearing the eyelash extension.

She said, “The user should avoid using waterproof mascaras on extensions because these are always hard to clean. Conducting patch tests beforehand (if possible) is essential to identify any allergic responses prior to full application all tools and hands should be thoroughly sanitised and sterile. For the first 24–48 hours after application, avoid contact with water, steam, and oil-based products on the lashes”.

She advised women not to forcibly remove lashes; pull the lash extension from the outer corner or utilise a professional remover.

“While removing the eyelashes use oil-based remover or warm compress, this softens the glue faster.”

You can clean the natural lashes and lids with a mild cleanser after removing the eyelash extension, you can maintain the reusable lashes by disinfecting them with alcohol, it is also advised that lashes are not worn more than three – five times and women should avoid sharing lashes.

“Typically, lash extensions can be worn for a duration ranging from two to four weeks, depending on the individual’s natural lash growth cycle and aftercare. It’s generally a good idea to allow your natural lashes some time to recover between applications to avoid long-term damage.

Also speaking, the President of the Nigerian Optometric Association (NOA) Anderson Chimeziri, explained that the natural eyes are sensitive, and can adjust to the ocular environment, unlike the artificial ones that are not as sensitive as the natural ones.

Chimeziri said that using eyelashes may have some impact on the wearing of contact lenses as the eyelashes narrows down the area of exposure.

He said, “When you wear contact lenses that are a possibility. Though that may not affect the eye, but it may affect the status of your contact lens, which will make the contact lens not to perform optimally.

“It is not organic, it’s rubber and every rubber adhesive is subject to heat, atmospheric temperature and pressure. Most of them, if they are produced overseas, in a cold environment, then you’re bringing it to a very hot environment, the temperature conditions have changed. So, they may not be as stable as if you’re using them in London, compared to using them in Nigeria,”

Chimeziri, a community eye epidemiologist from the University of Cape Town, South Africa observed that artificial eyelashes can cause a variety of eye problems, including infection, if the person that is handling it fails to observe good hand hygiene.

“The moment you put an eyelash; you have added weight to the lids. If the weight of the lid is, let’s say, 0.3 milligrammes, and then when you add an eyelash, you increase it to 0.5 milligrammes. Now, remember the nature of the eyelid, the movement of the eyelid is by mechanical movement which is supplied by electrical impulse.

“So, when you now put an additional weight, that means the movement of the lids will work on the additional supply of energy and that could lead to ocular fatigue. That could make the eye get weaker than it’s supposed to be when you are not putting the weight on it.”

He urged women who use eyelash extensions to ensure they always have artificial tears. “Keep artificial tears handy so that if you are using the eyelash, you will be dropping the artificial tears to keep configuring the ocular surface formation to maintain the ocular surface status, so that you will not experience what we call dry eyes and the complications that come with it.”

Experts warn against use of artificial eyelash extensions (2025)

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