Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team May 27, 2024 2 months, 3 hours, 29 minutes ago
Ophthalmology Updates: Eyelash extensions (EEs) have become a cornerstone of modern beauty routines, promising fuller, longer lashes without the daily hassle of mascara. This semi-permanent cosmetic procedure involves gluing individual synthetic, silk, or mink fibers to natural lashes, creating a dramatic look that can last for weeks. Despite their popularity, there is growing concern among medical professionals about the potential risks associated with EEs, particularly their impact on eye health.
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Eyelash Extensions And Dry Eyes
Misdirected eyelashes (A), mechanical milphosis (B), Demodex infestation in the roots of own lashes (C) and uncleaned material on the top of the eyelashes (D).
A Study from the Medical University of Varna, Bulgaria
Researchers at the Medical University of Varna conducted a prospective study to evaluate the effects of EE removal on dry eye symptoms and signs. The study that is covered in this
Ophthalmology Updates report recruited participants from routine clinical examinations for dry eye complaints, focusing on individuals with an Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) score above 31. These participants agreed to remove their EEs and abstain from makeup and new cosmetic procedures for four weeks. The study measured dry eye symptoms using the OSDI questionnaire and objectively assessed tear breakup time (TBUT), staining (Oxford scale), and blinking intervals both at baseline and four weeks after EE removal.
Results: A Notable Improvement in Dry Eye Symptoms
The study's participants, all female with a mean age of 28 years, exhibited significant improvements in dry eye symptoms following the removal of their EEs. The average OSDI score decreased from 33.4 at baseline to 26.7 after four weeks. Objective measures also showed positive changes: TBUT increased from 11.25 to 13.96 seconds, blinking frequency rose by two blinks per minute, and staining reduced by one grade. These results suggest that removing EEs can alleviate dry eye symptoms and improve ocular surface health.
Understanding the Risks: How EEs Affect Eye Health
EEs can compromise ocular health through various mechanisms. They may reduce blinking, cause incomplete blinking or eye closure during sleep, block meibomian glands, trap dust and allergens, and induce mechanical irritation or allergic reactions. Additionally, the adhesives used in EEs, often containing cyanoacrylate and other chemicals, can lead to local and systemic allergic responses, as well as toxic effects on the conjunctiva and periocular skin.
Local and Global Perspectives on EE Complications
Studies from around the world, including the USA, Africa, and Asia, have documented significant complications related to EEs. In Nigeria, for instance, a study found that 73.3% of female students using EEs experienced complications such as itching, redne
ss, pain, and heavy eyelids. Despite these issues, the aesthetic appeal of EEs often outweighs health concerns for many users.
The Importance of Eyelash Hygiene and Professional Application
Proper eyelash hygiene is crucial for maintaining ocular health, but the care instructions for EEs often discourage effective cleaning. Specialists typically advise avoiding water contact and warm water washes, which can lead to neglected eye hygiene and increase the risk of infections and infestations, such as Demodex mites.
Balancing Beauty and Health
While EEs offer an attractive option for enhancing natural beauty, they come with significant risks that users should be aware of. Eyecare practitioners, dermatologists, and beauty specialists must collaborate to ensure that cosmetic procedures like EEs are performed safely and that users are informed about potential complications. Ultimately, maintaining eye health should be a priority, even in the pursuit of beauty.
Key Takeaways
-EEs and Dry Eye: Removing eyelash extensions can significantly improve dry eye symptoms, as evidenced by decreased OSDI scores and improved TBUT.
-Health Risks: EEs can lead to various eye health issues, including allergic reactions, mechanical irritation, and infections.
-Public Awareness: There is a need for increased public awareness about the potential risks of EEs and the importance of proper eyelash hygiene.
-Collaborative Efforts: Ensuring the safety of cosmetic procedures requires collaboration between eyecare practitioners, dermatologists, and beauty specialists.
-Further Research: More studies are needed to explore the long-term effects of EEs on ocular health and to develop guidelines for safer application practices.
As the allure of enhanced eyelashes continues to grow, balancing beauty with health remains a critical challenge that requires ongoing attention and research:
-Collaborative Efforts: Ensuring the safety of cosmetic procedures requires collaboration between eyecare practitioners, dermatologists, and beauty specialists.
-Further Research: More studies are needed to explore the long-term effects of EEs on ocular health and to develop guidelines for safer application practices.
As the allure of enhanced eyelashes continues to grow, balancing beauty with health remains a critical challenge that requires ongoing attention and research.
Conclusions and Recommendations for Further Research
The study by the Medical University of Varna underscores the potential risks of EEs and highlights the need for further research to understand their long-term effects on ocular health. Future studies should explore the impact of EEs on eyelash cycles, the combined use of EEs with contact lenses, and the mechanical effects on the upper eyelid. It is also crucial to improve public awareness about the potential health risks associated with EEs and to develop guidelines for safer application practices.
The study findings were published in the peer reviewed Journal of Clinical Medicine.
https://www.mdpi.com/2077-0383/13/11/3101
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Ophthalmology Updates, keep on logging to Thailand Medical News.
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