Fixing artificial lashes can cause eye infection- Eye specialists

Eye specialists have revealed that fixing artificial eyelashes under unhygienic conditions could lead to eye infections.

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The experts including ophthalmologists, in separate interviews with newsmen noted that allergies, swelling of the eyelids, redness and dryness of the eyes are some infections and diseases that could be caused by the procedure.

They, however, noted that only a few individuals who undergo the procedure in professional eye cosmetics and under hygienic conditions risk getting eye infections.

Recently, some ophthalmologists hinted at a gradual increase in eye diseases due to the increased usage of artificial lashes.

An online healthcare information website, WebMD, described artificial eyelashes, also called false lashes, as synthetic lashes attached to the eyelid just above the natural lashes with temporary glue.

It added that the procedure is designed to make the eyes stand out or enhance the facial look.

The experts and WebMD pointed out those artificial lashes might not cause damage if applied properly and under hygienic conditions but noted that wearing them regularly and without caution could trigger allergies, irritation and eye injury.

Complications from the procedure due to stimulation of the eyelids were listed to include allergic reaction to the glue used, loss of natural lashes, redness, infection and irritation, as well as swollen and drooping eyelids.

According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, dry eyes are the second-highest infection suffered by nearly 16 million people in the country.

It stated that each year, about a million eye infections are recorded in hospitals.

Although there is no national data on the burden of eye diseases in Nigeria, a study conducted on over 1,448 patients in Northern Nigeria revealed that infective and allergic conjunctivitis were the most common eye diseases reported in hospitals.

Meanwhile, refractive errors, glaucoma and cataracts were other common eye diseases highlighted.

Speaking on the issue, a Professor of Optometry at the Abia State University, Uturu, Okezie Ahuama, said that eyelash is meant to naturally protect the eyes from airborne irritants.

He, however, noted that artificial eyelashes are for beauty and cosmetic purposes, and are unconnected to the natural eyelid tissue and, therefore, cannot protect the eyes from external agents.

He added that dry eye and ocular allergies are some diseases and infections that might result from the use of artificial eyelashes.

The don stated, “From simple scientific logic, the natural eyelash protects against the ocular surface from airborne irritants, including infective agents by acting as a biologically active mechanical barrier. By biologically active, I mean that these natural eyelashes have sensory inputs that make them active in eliciting a reflex mechanical closure of the eyelids before particles enter the eye (tactile and menace reflex blinking).

“If the particles succeed in lodging on the ocular surface, the reflex blinking is one other form of protection of the ocular surface by which there is increased secretion of tears containing antibacterial proteins (biological protection).”

The optometrist further warned that the glues used to attach the eyelashes could prevent the natural eyelid from protecting the eyes.

Ahuama added, “Again, the use of glues to attach these eyelashes on the eyelid may create a barrier between the living cells of the eyelid margin and the eyelash itself, diminishing the natural protection. The increased weight of artificial eyelash make-up against the light weight of the natural eyelash may slow the fast blinking process required in tactile and menace reflex blinking.”

The don highlighted dry eye, slow evaporation of tears and reduced blinking reflex as conditions that could occur with prolonged use of artificial lashes.

“Dry eye and increased tear film evaporation might occur. The blinking reflex may be reduced because of longer and denser eyelashes that slow the naturally fast mechanical blinking reflex that coats the eye surface with all components of the protective tear film.

“Also, the ocular surface allergies and infections may increase because a longer eyelash may increase airflow, which causes shear stress on the eye surface, increasing deposition of particles and contaminants and the evaporation of tear film. The visual acuity may be affected as well if the number of blinks is reduced and the retractor and protractor (eye muscles that open and close the eyelids) may have to act more forcefully to maintain their normal function,” the Optometrist said.

On her part, a professor of Ophthalmology at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja, Bola Adekoya, said the use of artificial eyelashes is used to enhance facial beauty and the practice is not new.

The don also noted that if the procedure is done correctly under hygienic conditions, it poses no threat to the user.

The Ophthalmologist added, “As with any other procedure done on other parts of the body, if not done correctly, there might be issues. Even if done correctly, if there is an allergic reaction to the materials used, it can create problems.

“The issue might range from mild irritation to something that could be potentially serious. If the fixing is not correctly or hygienically done, the individual can feel a foreign body sensation in the eyes, irritation, redness, watering and conjunctivitis.

“If there is an acute allergic reaction to the glue used to stick the artificial eyelash to the natural eyelash margin, it can cause cellulitis (a bacterial infection of the skin around the eye that causes redness and swelling) of the eyelid margin. They can also cause a secondary infection of the eyelid.”

The don urged women that fix artificial eyelashes to ensure it is done by licensed professionals under sanitary conditions and that they should discontinue if there is an acute allergic reaction.

 

PUNCH/Wumi