Blepharitis and Lash Extensions

Thick lustrous eyelashes are all the rage, leading to a huge increase in the number of women including lash extensions in their beauty regime.

But are your lash extensions putting you at risk of a troubling eye condition known as blepharitis?

Symptoms of Blepharitis

Blepharitis is an inflammation that occurs on the inside or outside edges of the eyelids. Symptoms include a burning sensation in the eye, sore or swollen eyelids that stick together, itchiness and crusty build up, blurred vision that improves when you blink, and dry eyes.

These problems commonly arise when the oil glands in your eyelids become inflamed. In healthy eyes, these oil glands (the meibomian glands) produce very fine oil which goes into the tear film. As we blink, the tears are distributed across the eyeballs cleansing and protecting them from bacteria.

In people with blepharitis, the oil becomes thick and sticky. Not only does this lead to a gritty sensation, but tears also evaporate faster than usual, which may lead to Dry Eye syndrome (1).

Eyelash extensions may seem like a convenient way to have lush lashes for up to six weeks but it is important to know the risks, because extensions may not be for everyone.

Some people react to elements in lash glue like latex, ammonia or formaldehyde (2); and it is also important to use only a fully trained and experienced lash technician fully versed in hygiene practices.

Lashes and Lid Health

The most common reason for blepharitis is bacterial infection of the eyelids (3). Eyelash extensions may trap bacteria and debris on the base of the eyelids, leading to infection or inflammation.

This is just another reason to adhere to a good beauty routine, which includes gently cleansing your eye area every day, or even using eyelid wipes for blepharitis (available from an optometrist).

Blepharitis is not contagious and does not affect eyesight, but it may lead to other eye conditions such as dry eye syndrome or meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). Fortunately, at our Alexandra Hills optometry practice we offer the latest treatments such as:

BlephEx TM – where one of our optometrists uses a special hand-held instrument to clean along your lash line, to gently remove crustiness and bacteria that may result from blepharitis and lash extensions or MGD.
Blephasteam – special googles which are fitted by our optometry staff and a hygienic way to bathe the eyes with warm, moist air.
Intense Pulsed Light or IPL is another treatment available at our clinic, which helps to relieve chronic blepharitis and dry eye syndrome (4).

Healthy Lashes are Beautiful Lashes!

If you do experience mild irritation as a result of eyelash extensions, we recommend starting home treatments such as:

Applying warm compresses to closed eyelids a couple of times a day;
Using artificial tears (drops or gel) to relieve dryness;
Avoiding makeup/extensions for a short time, to help reduce irritation and give your eyelids a chance to heal.

For more severe symptoms related to blepharitis and lash extensions, we recommend booking an appointment with one of the optometrists at Aphrodite Livanes Eyecare Plus today on (07) 3824 1878.

References:

Are your Lash Extensions putting you at risk of Blepharitis?

Symptoms of Blepharitis