# Eyelash Extensions and Eye Health: When the Pursuit of Beauty Meets the Risks of Irritation and Inflammation

The quest for a striking, long and voluminous look without the daily need for mascara has turned eyelash extensions into a genuine beauty craze. The procedure, however, demands attention and rigorous care, since the eye area is extremely sensitive and prone to complications ranging from allergic reactions to chronic inflammatory conditions.

- Section: Health
- Published: November 7, 2026
- Address: https://ceoone.com.br/en/article/eyelash-extensions-and-eye-health-when-the-pursuit-of-beauty-meets-the-risks-of-irritation-and-inflammation
- Em português: https://ceoone.com.br/artigo/extensao-de-cilios-e-saude-ocular-quando-o-alvo-da-beleza-encontra-os-.md

![Close-up of a brown eye, with natural lashes, eyebrow and eyelid skin in detail](https://pub-b80e49b2737940b3ab5d3f20d0578192.r2.dev/artigos/extensao-de-cilios-e-saude-ocular-quando-o-alvo-da-beleza-encontra-os--foto.webp)

Photo: Gizem Gökce/Pexels

## Key points

- A study presented at the ESCRS congress found signs of Meibomian gland dysfunction in 85% of women who had eyelash extensions applied at least ten times.
- Residue building up at the base of the lashes encourages Demodex mites, blepharitis and dry eye, while unapproved or formaldehyde-based glues can cause dermatitis and chemical injury to the cornea.
- Ophthalmologists recommend daily cleansing with mild baby soap and advise people with severe dry eye, chronic blepharitis, ocular rosacea or cosmetic allergies to avoid the procedure without medical clearance.

## The Toll of Aesthetics on Eye Health

The technique consists of gluing synthetic or fibre strands directly onto the natural lashes, very close to the root and the edge of the eyelids. According to warnings from specialists and professional bodies, the combination of added weight on the lashes and the mechanical difficulty of cleaning the area is the main trigger for eye problems.

Recent studies presented at the congress of the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (ESCRS) revealed alarming data on the effects of the procedure:

Meibomian Gland Dysfunction: In 85% of women who had extensions applied at least ten times, signs of dysfunction were identified in these glands, which secrete the oily layer of the tear film that prevents it from evaporating quickly, favouring the onset or worsening of dry eye.

Mite Proliferation (Demodex folliculorum): The microscopic Demodex mite, which lives naturally on human skin, finds ideal conditions to multiply at the base of the lashes in an environment where residue builds up and cleaning is difficult, causing itching, redness and flaking.

Adhesive Reactions and Chemical Risks: Continued use of bonding glue substantially increases the risk of allergies. The warning also extends to the improper use of unapproved glues (or those containing formaldehyde), which can cause severe dermatitis and even extreme cases of chemical injury to the ocular surface or accidental sealing of the eyelids.

## Main Associated Complications

Irritation and Redness: Caused by direct contact between the eyelid skin and chemicals in the adhesives or in application and removal products.

Blepharitis: Chronic inflammation of the eyelid margin triggered by a build-up of makeup residue, oil and microbial growth that cannot be properly cleaned away.

Evaporative Dry Eye: Caused by impaired Meibomian glands, leading to burning, a gritty sensation in the eyes and fluctuating vision.

Corneal Injuries: Abrasions caused by overly heavy lashes scraping the eye or by glue leaking during the procedure.

Traction Alopecia: Excess weight from the artificial strands weakens the natural root and can lead to premature or permanent lash loss.

## Hygiene and Preventing Complications

Maintaining eye health while wearing extensions requires rigour both in choosing a professional and in the daily cleansing routine. Ophthalmologists stress that cleaning the eyelid area should not be neglected for fear of loosening the artificial lashes; on the contrary, washing daily with a mild baby soap diluted in water and gently brushing the lashes are essential to prevent oil and dirt from stagnating. Making sure the studio properly sterilises its tweezers and application tools is also the first step towards preventing serious bacterial or fungal infections.

## Chemical Reactions and Emergency Care

Another blind spot of the procedure is the composition of the adhesives used for bonding. Substances such as preservatives or formaldehyde in unregulated glues can trigger chemical conjunctivitis, allergic keratitis and even abrasions on the surface of the cornea. If a client experiences symptoms such as intense burning, excessive tearing, swollen eyelids or sensitivity to light after a session, medical advice is to rinse the area immediately with saline solution, stop wearing makeup and seek specialist ophthalmological care for safe removal and the appropriate treatment.

## At-Risk Groups and Medical Advice

Ophthalmologists recommend that patients diagnosed with severe dry eye syndrome, chronic blepharitis, ocular rosacea or a history of allergies to cosmetics avoid the technique without prior medical clearance. Likewise, contact lens wearers need to take extra care and should remove their lenses while extensions are being applied or removed.

If symptoms persist (such as eye pain, photophobia, changes in vision or marked swelling of the eyelids), the advice is to stop wearing the extensions immediately and see an ophthalmologist for proper diagnosis and treatment, avoiding traumatic removal of the lashes at home.

## Sources and editorial notes

- O Estado de S. Paulo newspaper: Pulsa section, Self-Care column: "4 Questões importantes sobre o uso de extensão de cílios" (4 important questions about wearing eyelash extensions), edition of 7 November 2026.
- European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (ESCRS): Prospective study on the impact of continued use of eyelash extensions on the Meibomian glands and on Demodex folliculorum proliferation (2026).
- Brazilian Society of Ophthalmology (SBO): Institutional warnings on the risks of allergy, blepharitis and formaldehyde toxicity in eyelash adhesives.
- G1 / BBC News: "Os riscos à saúde de usar extensões de cílios: infecções, alergias à cola e erosão da córnea" (The health risks of wearing eyelash extensions: infections, glue allergies and corneal erosion).
- Rádio Itatiaia News Portal / Health: "Extensão de cílios: oftalmologista explica cuidados e alerta para riscos" (Eyelash extensions: ophthalmologist explains care and warns of risks).

CEO ONE · https://ceoone.com.br