Eyelash Trends

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There are four types of eyelash trends: Extensions, False Lashes, Lifts and Tints, and Growth Serums. Each category of enhancements comes with possible ocular side effects.

Eyelash Extensions

• Common ocular surface complications generally occur when the procedure is performed or afterwards if the extensions and eyelids are not cleaned properly. These include

  • Conjunctivitis (“Pink Eye”);

  • Blepharitis (“Inflammation of the Eyelids”);

  • Demodex (“Eyelid Mite infestation”);

  • Dry eye symptoms, which can be severe;

  • Madarosis (loss of lashes); and

  • Hordeola (“styes”)

• Patient Tips

  • Only go to a licensed and experienced cosmetologist or esthetician. Make sure they are working in a clean and sterile environment.

  • Do not undergo lash extension if you suffer from a condition called trichotillomania, a disorder characterized by the urge to pull out eyelashes and other hair.

  • Use natural lash lengths.

  • Do not use glue that contains formaldehyde. Use oil-based removers.

  • Do not get the lashes wet for 48 hours after application. This includes avoiding workouts, steam rooms, or hot yoga. The adhesives may reactivate and cause the lashes to stick together.

  • Patients need to practice lid hygiene daily. Remove all make-up. Use hypochlorous acid solutions, such as Hypochlor by OcuSoft to clean the lash base thoroughly to prevent inflammation and bacteria accumulation.

  • Take breaks between fills to prevent traction alopecia.

  • Resist the urge to pull at the lashes. Pulling, picking, or touching the lashes could damage your natural lashes and spread bacteria to your eyes.

  • See your optometrist immediately should any complications arise.

False Eyelashes

• Common ocular surface complications are similar to extensions. There can also be

  • Corneal abrasions (“scratches”) from application and removal;

  • Contact dermatitis;

  • Conjunctivitis (“Pink Eye”);

  • Keratitis (“Chemical burn on the cornea) from chemical contact; and

  • Poor blinking from the weight of the lashes.

• Patient Tips

  • Use a glue without formaldehyde.

  • Place a small amount of glue or metallic eyeliner on the inside of the wrist to perform a “patch test,” alerting to potential allergies before occurring on the eyelid.

  • Choose lashes of a natural length (1/3 the eye width).

  • Use partial strips to avoid using more material than necessary.

  • Take breaks from wearing the lashes or reserve them for special occasions only.

  • Mascara is often used in conjunction with false eyelashes to help “blend” them with the real ones. The addition of cosmetics further increases the risk of irritation, allergic reaction, and infection.

Lifts and Tints

• Lifts

  • Common Ocular Complications

    • Toxic keratoconjunctivitis (“Pink Eye”) can occur from environments that are not sterile and from chemicals that can get in the eyes.

    • Allergic reactions to the perming solutions and adhesives.

  • Patient Tips

    • Only go to a licensed and experienced esthetician. Make sure they are working in a sterile environment.

    • See your optometrist immediately should any complications arise.

• Tints

  • Common Ocular Complications

    • The main risk is allergic reaction.

      • Allergens will persist for the natural lifecycle of the eyelash, 4-11 months.

      • Toxic and allergenic ingredients commonly found in lash tinting products include hydrogen peroxide, dyes, and fragrances.

    • Stripping the dye out comes with the risk of permanent damage to the follicle. 

• Patient Tips

  • Only go to a licensed and experienced esthetician. Make sure they are working in a sterile environment.

  • See your optometrist immediately should any complications arise.

• These procedures are generally combined, meaning the risks are twofold and extra caution should be taken.

Growth Serums

• Rx: (Latisse)

  • Common Ocular Complications

    • Conjunctival/ eyelid hyperemia (“Redness of the eyelid and white of the eye”)

    • Burning and irritation

    • Loss of periorbital fat

    • Eye colors can darken

    • Prolonged use can lead to dry eyes.

  • Patient Tips

    • Patients with chronic ocular inflammatory conditions, including dry eye disease, should avoid prostaglandin lash serums.

    • See your optometrist immediately should any complications arise.

• OTC Lash Enhancers (Non-Rx)

  • Common Ocular Complications

    • These have many of the same side effects as Latisse.

  • Patient Tips

    • Look for ingredients that contain “prost,” like isopropyl cloprostenate. 

    • Unlike pharma companies, cosmetic companies are not required to list potential side effects in their packaging, but they are there!

• Boost Lash Intensifying Serums

  • Patient Tips

    • Our optometrists recommend Zoria by OcuSoft. It can be ordered directly from Visualeyes.

    • These are generally safer than the previous two categories, but they do not necessarily come without risk and may contain other irritating ingredients, so read the ingredient lists.

    • Most growth serums work within a few weeks.

    • They need to be continued everyday or else the effects will not last. Once the product is not used, it stops working.