Regular eyelash extensions are associated with the risk of inflammation and mites

Regular eyelash extensions can be associated with the appearance of microscopic mites, eye irritation and disruption of the eyelid glands. This conclusion was reached by scientists who presented the results of the study at the 44th Congress of the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (ESCRS).

The study involved 345 women aged 16 to 28 years. Almost a quarter of them had ever had eyelash extensions, and 58 percent of this group repeated the procedure every three to four weeks. About 48 percent of women experienced discomfort, redness, watery eyes, or itching after extensions.

In women who had eyelash extensions at least ten times, scientists also checked the condition of the meibomian glands, located at the edges of the eyelids and secreting a fatty secretion that protects the eyes from drying out. 85 percent of participants showed signs of impairment in their work.

In addition, the researchers examined eyelash samples from 25 women who regularly underwent the procedure under a microscope. 24 of them were found to have Demodex folliculorum mites, and 18 had signs of associated inflammation, including itching, redness and swelling of the eyelids, peeling skin and clumping of eyelashes.

Scientists emphasize that the presence of Demodex in itself does not indicate a disease, since these mites can also be found in healthy people. However, with regular eyelash extensions, experts recommend carefully monitoring eyelid hygiene and consulting a doctor if persistent irritation occurs.