Why Your Eyelash Extensions May Promote Mite Proliferation and Irritate Your Eyes

Achieving longer, fuller lashes is now widely available at most beauty salons through lash extensions, a service that has gained popularity among women seeking to enhance their appearance. However, this pursuit of beauty carries hidden risks, a concern highlighted at the 44th Congress of the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (ESCRS) in London.

A new study focusing on young women who use lash extensions has identified several ocular issues, including irritation, redness, and itching. The research also revealed dysfunction of the Meibomian glands and a frequent presence of tiny mites from the Demodex genus.

Nearly one in two women reports experiencing discomfort following the application of the treatments.

To reach these conclusions, Dr. Tetiana Zhmud, from the Department of Ophthalmology at the National Pirogov Memorial Medical University in Ukraine, and her team surveyed 345 women aged 16 to 28. Nearly a quarter of the participants had previously worn eyelash extensions. Among those users, 58% reported getting them applied every three to four weeks.

Most notably, 47.6% of respondents reported experiencing discomfort, redness, tearing, or itching following the procedure.

Researchers also examined the Meibomian glands, small structures within the eyelids that secrete an oily substance essential for stabilizing the tear film and reducing tear evaporation. When these glands malfunction or become obstructed, they can contribute to dryness and ocular irritation.

Using meibography, a technique that visualizes these glands through infrared imaging, the team found that 85 percent of women who had undergone at least ten lash extension sessions exhibited signs of Meibomian gland dysfunction.

Mites were detected on nearly every eyelash examined in the study.

The team subsequently examined lash samples collected from 25 women who regularly use extensions under a microscope.

The analysis revealed the presence of Demodex folliculorum in 24 of the participants. Among these 24 women, 18 also exhibited signs of irritation potentially linked to the mites, including itching, redness, swelling, lash accumulation, and small flakes at the base of the lashes.

“Eyelash extensions are an extremely popular cosmetic procedure among young women,” said Dr. Tetiana Zhmud. “However, available data suggest that this practice may also contribute to issues on the ocular surface, including irritation, dryness symptoms, and dysfunction of the Meibomian glands.”

That said, it would be premature to conclude that all eyelash extensions lead to mite infestations. The study was small in scale and lacked a control group of women who did not wear extensions. Consequently, the researchers aim to replicate their work on larger populations to more precisely determine the role of application frequency and any potential link to ocular symptoms.

Demodex: These mites typically reside on human skin

The name may sound alarming, but Demodex mites are not external parasites that exclusively affect individuals wearing eyelash extensions. These microscopic organisms naturally inhabit hair follicles and sebaceous glands, including those located on the eyelashes. Their mere presence does not indicate a medical condition.

“Demodex mites are a normal part of the human ecosystem, but eyelash extensions create conditions that favor their excessive proliferation, increasing the risk of irritation and blepharitis,” explains Dr. Gérald Kierzek, medical director of Doctissimo.

The issue arises when the mite population grows and triggers an inflammatory response, a condition known as Demodex blepharitis or demodicosis.

The doctor added that strict eyelid hygiene and close monitoring of symptoms can significantly reduce this overall risk.

Why might lash extensions contribute to the issue?

The adhesive used to secure lash extensions is applied in close proximity to the base of natural lashes, a region where sebum, dead skin cells, and debris are prone to accumulation.

Researchers indicate that this proximity may complicate the cleaning of the lash base and hinder the detection of characteristic signs of infestation. Extensions can obscure “collarettes,” which are small visible deposits at the lash base composed of debris, sebum, eggs, and residues associated with Demodex mites.

However, it is essential to avoid drawing hasty conclusions, as the presence of Demodex can be entirely normal. It is primarily their excessive proliferation and the emergence of symptoms that should raise concern.

Itching, redness, a gritty sensation: the warning signs to watch for

Blepharitis can present as irritation along the eyelid margin, accompanied by redness, itching, or a sensation of a foreign body in the eye. Flaking or small crusts may also develop at the base of the eyelashes.

“An excessive infestation can lead to itching, redness, a foreign-body sensation and tearing,” Dr. Gérald Kierzek explains.

In certain instances, chronic blepharitis may also be associated with Meibomian gland dysfunction, thereby contributing to dry eye. Persistent forms of the condition require medical attention, as chronic eyelid inflammation can lead to ocular complications.

Persistent discomfort following eyelash extension application, significant redness, pain, discharge, or a decline in visual acuity should prompt a consultation with a physician or an ophthalmologist.

How to wear extensions while minimizing the risks?

The researchers behind the study do not advise a blanket ban on eyelash extensions. Instead, their primary recommendation is to enhance eyelid hygiene and remain vigilant for any emerging symptoms.

If Demodex blepharitis is suspected, seeking professional medical advice is preferable to attempting self-treatment. Specific therapeutic interventions may be considered once an infestation has been formally diagnosed.

The primary hazard remains the improper application of the extensions.

Beyond the presence of Demodex mites, eyelash extensions can trigger eye irritation or allergic reactions. The risk is particularly elevated when the application is performed incorrectly or when standard hygiene protocols are not followed.

The adhesive used for the extensions is applied in the immediate vicinity of the eye. Improper handling, the use of unsuitable products, or poorly maintained equipment can all lead to adverse reactions.

In France, the application of eyelash extensions is not restricted to licensed estheticians, and there is no general legal requirement to hold an esthetics diploma to perform this service. However, specific training programs are available that teach the proper application techniques and necessary hygiene standards.

Selecting the right professional is therefore crucial. It is advisable to have the procedure performed by a skilled practitioner in a clean environment.

This is a simple precaution worth taking to protect your eyes.