Eyelash extensions have become a popular beauty treatment for people who want fuller looking lashes without applying mascara every day. But new research is drawing attention to a potential eye health issue that may be difficult to see.
Scientists in Ukraine examined eyelash extension samples from 25 women under a microscope and found Demodex folliculorum mites in all but one of the samples.
These microscopic organisms are common and can live naturally in hair follicles around the face, including the eyelashes. They feed on dead skin cells and oils and are generally not considered a health concern when present in small numbers.
However, researchers say a greater number of mites may be associated with irritation and inflammation around the eyelids.
The study also found signs of problems involving the meibomian glands, tiny oil producing glands located along the edges of the eyelids. These glands help create the oily layer of tears, which slows evaporation and helps keep the eyes comfortable.
Why the lashes may make the signs harder to notice
One concern highlighted by the researchers is that eyelash extensions can make changes around the natural lashes more difficult to spot.
The adhesive used to attach extensions is applied close to the base of the natural lashes. That area is also where evidence of Demodex activity may appear.
The mites can leave behind small waxy deposits made up of biological material, including remnants from the mites, along with skin cells and oil. When extensions cover the area, those signs may be less obvious during a routine visual check.
The researchers said this could make it more difficult for people to recognize when irritation around the lash line deserves attention.
That does not mean everyone who wears extensions will develop an eye problem. Demodex mites can be part of the normal microorganisms found around the eyes, and their presence alone does not establish that someone has a condition.
The concern becomes greater when their presence is accompanied by symptoms or visible changes around the eyelids.
Younger women reported several symptoms
The researchers also surveyed 345 women between the ages of 16 and 28 to learn more about their experiences with eyelash extensions.
Nearly one in four participants said they had received the treatment at some point. Among those women, almost half reported symptoms such as discomfort, redness, watering or itching following the procedure.
The researchers also observed a relationship between repeated use of eyelash extensions and changes involving the meibomian glands.
Among participants who had received extensions at least 10 times, 85% showed signs consistent with meibomian gland dysfunction.
Samples from the eyelashes also revealed signs of irritation around the eyelids in 72% of cases. Those changes included redness, swelling, lashes sticking together and flaky skin near the lash roots.
The findings were presented at a meeting of the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons.
Because the research involved a relatively small group of women and was presented at a medical meeting, additional research will be needed to better understand the relationship between repeated eyelash extension use, Demodex mites and eye health.
What Demodex mites mean for your eyes
Demodex folliculorum is a microscopic, eight-legged organism that commonly lives within human hair follicles.
Most people have some Demodex mites without experiencing symptoms. Their presence is therefore not automatically a sign that something is wrong.
Problems can occur when the mites are associated with irritation around the eyelids or changes in the glands responsible for maintaining the eye’s tear film.
Symptoms that may warrant attention include persistent itching, redness, swelling, watery eyes, discomfort or noticeable changes around the lash line.
People experiencing ongoing eye symptoms should consider speaking with an eye care professional rather than assuming the cause is simply the cosmetic treatment.
How to care for eyelash extensions
The researchers emphasized that people do not necessarily need to give up eyelash extensions altogether.
Instead, careful eyelid and lash hygiene may help reduce the buildup of oil, skin cells and other material around the lashes.
The study team recommended cleaning the lashes twice a day and seeking appropriate treatment if a health professional determines that Demodex mites are contributing to symptoms.
Professional application and proper aftercare may also be important considerations for anyone who regularly receives extensions.
The findings serve as a reminder that cosmetic treatments around the eyes require more than an aesthetic approach. The eyelids and lashes play an important role in protecting the eyes and maintaining moisture.
For people who love the look of extensions, the takeaway is not necessarily to stop using them. Rather, paying attention to unusual irritation, maintaining good lash hygiene and getting persistent symptoms evaluated can help keep beauty routines from becoming an eye health concern.
