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Blepharitis from Eyelash Extensions: Tips & Relief

  • Last updated December 29, 2022

6 min read

Danielle Stoken
Written byDanielle Stoken
Jovi Boparai, MD
Reviewed by Jovi Boparai, MD
Danielle Stoken
Danielle StokenEye Health & Wellness ContributorPittsburgh, PA

Bio

I was so excited when I learned about CorneaCare and am honored to share content, tips and stories about dry eye! I am a certified Health Coach through the Institute for Integrative nutrition so the intersection of nutrition/lifestyle and dry eye disease is one that I am particularly passionate about. Since recently becoming a mom, I care even more about my eye care and self-care and am learning so much through CorneaCare's educational resources.

Get to know me a little better!

Hobby: baking sourdough bread
Food: pasta
Superhero: my dad
Guilty pleasure: cold brew coffee (really, any coffee)
Secret power: serious facial recognition/recollection

Training:

Undergraduate: Carnegie Mellon University
Nutrition training: Institute for Integrative Nutrition

Jovi Boparai, MD
Jovi Boparai, MDCo-founder & CEO of CorneaCarePhiladelphia, PA

Bio

Dry eye disease is tough! I get it. I have struggled with dry eyes for several years from contact lens use, and from spending countless hours looking at computer screens. In college, my dry eyes got so bad that I couldn’t wear contact lenses, because of a constant “foreign body sensation” when I had them in. I had to stop reading every 30 minutes because my eyes would start to burn and my vision would get blurry. I tried a plethora of treatments and nothing seemed to work. Dry eye disease was not only impacting my eyes, but also my emotional wellbeing. It was preventing me from enjoying life, and getting in the way of my professional training. I felt overwhelmed, frustrated and hopeless.

It was only when I realized that my dry eyes were linked to my lifestyle, environment and overall health did things start to make sense. I noticed that on days when I spent less time on the computer, my eyes felt better. My symptoms would flare when it was windy, or when there was low humidity. I knew that if I wanted to get ahead of my dry eyes, I needed to not only treat my eyes, but to also address my lifestyle. I started a consistent regimen of artificial tears and eyelid hygiene. I switched from monthly contact lenses to daily contact lenses. I started taking scheduled breaks from looking at a computer. I ate a healthier diet focused on anti-inflammatory/antioxidants foods, and I bought a humidifier for my room. In the beginning doing all this seemed impossible, but over time it became part of my usual routine. Not only did my eyes feel better, but I was overall healthier and happier! Turns out what is good for my eyes, was also good for my mind and body. I carried this lesson with me as I started my career to become an ophthalmologist and ophthalmic surgeon.

Because of my personal journey and professional training, I believe dry eye treatment starts by listening to and empowering the patient. I listen for the struggles and cue in on their strengths, while picking up on their lifestyle. Only then do we together start building a treatment plan that incorporates good eye hygiene with small, but impactful lifestyle changes. Our sight is our most important sense, and it is intimately linked to our very being. I want dry eye patients to not only get their dry eyes under control, but to also enjoy good mental and physical health, and live a fulfilling life. What is good for the eyes should also strengthen the mind and fortify the body!

Get to know me a little better!

Hobby: vintage watches
Food: peanut butter
Superhero: Superman
Guilty pleasure: desserts
Secret power: has never had a headache

Training:

Undergraduate: University of Pittsburgh Honors College
Medical school: Weill Cornell Medicine
Ophthalmology residency: Wills Eye Hospital.

Blepharitis from Eyelash Extensions: Tips & Relief

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Table of Contents

Blepharitis from Eyelash Extensions?

Eyelash extensions are a convenient way to beautify and lengthen the eyelashes. Instead of fumbling with self-adhesive drug-store false eyelashes and glue, you can see a professional who can apply them for you, and they last longer. The problem is that some people experience problems, like blepharitis, from eyelash extensions. 

We hate to be the ones to rain on your beauty parade, but it’s important to know the facts before considering any procedure that involves your eye area (and the rest of your body, too). 

If you are thinking about getting eyelash extensions, read on. Learn more about blepharitis and why some people experience it after getting eyelash extensions. If you’re already suffering from blepharitis from eyelash extensions, we’ll share some ways to treat your eyelids. 

Key Points

  • Eyelash extensions can be safe, but carry some risks to the eyelids, like blepharitis.
  • You can keep your eyes safe from complications by ensuring your lashes are applied by a professional in a proper setting. 
  • Eyelid hygiene and other treatments are available if you develop blepharitis from eyelash extensions.
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Taking the First Step

Before making any decisions that involve your eyes, eyelids or eyelashes, it’s best to know the facts. You should never have to sacrifice comfort for beauty! Education is key in making informed decisions for your health. 

If you are considering eyelash extensions, educate yourself on the procedure and the short and long-term risks. While we understand it’s appealing to lengthen your lashes to achieve a glamorous look, this procedure may come at a price. 

“Getting eyelash extensions is a personal choice, but take the necessary steps to avoid any eye complications, namely blepharitis,” says Ophthalmologist Jovi Boparai, MD. “Be sure your salon uses the best ingredients that are safe for your eyes, and the procedure is done under sanitary conditions. Practicing good eyelid hygiene with eyelid wipes and warm compresses can also help treat and protect against blepharitis.”

Understanding Blepharitis

Blepharitis is inflammation of the eyelids and is very common. There are various reasons why the eyelids become inflamed. 

One form of blepharitis, anterior blepharitis, occurs because of bacterial growth.¹ Everyone has bacteria on the base of the eyelashes, but some people have excess. This excess bacteria can lead to infection and inflammation.¹ 

Anterior blepharitis can also happen because of Demodex, a microscopic mite that lives inside the eyelash follicles.² While Demodex lives naturally on our skin, in some individuals, they can over-populate. This infestation can lead to problems resulting in blepharitis. 

Individuals experience posterior blepharitis from clogged oil glands (meibomian gland dysfunction).¹ People with rosacea and dandruff are more likely to experience posterior blepharitis.¹ 

Additionally, if you suffer from eye allergies (allergic conjunctivitis) or wear contact lenses, you are more likely to develop blepharitis.¹

Blepharitis is a leading cause of dry eye disease, a chronic condition caused by unstable tears. Dry eye disease is different from just occasionally experiencing dry eyes. With dry eye disease, symptoms are severe enough to interfere with daily life, like work and socializing. Over time, this contributes to mental health issues like depression and anxiety. 

Key symptoms of dry eye disease

The comfort of your eyes affects your entire well-being, which is why it’s important to know how to keep them feeling good. 

Common Symptoms of Blepharitis

Blepharitis symptoms tend to be worse in the morning but can occur anytime during the day.³ 

Symptoms of blepharitis include:

  • Red, swollen eyelids
  • Dry eyes
  • Crusting eyelashes
  • Flaky skin around the eye
  • Flaking of the eyelashes
  • Itchy eyelids
  • Eyelids that “stick” together
  • Light sensitivity
  • Gritty or burning sensation
  • Blurry vision in some cases

Lash Extensions: What to Expect

Eyelash extensions can come in synthetic, silk or mink and in various sizes, shapes and thicknesses.⁴ Avoid materials that are allergens for you. 

Only a licensed technician in a clean salon should apply lash extensions. They’ll use sterile tweezers and special glue for application on the skin. The whole procedure can take up to two hours where you’ll remain lying down with your eyes closed.⁴

Eye Complications from Lash Extensions

In medical research on eyelash extensions, blepharitis accounts for 79% of complications after the procedure.⁵ Most of the complications from lash extensions are due to the glue that technicians use to apply the lashes to the eyelid follicles. However, infections can occur due to hygiene issues of the technician, tools or environment where the procedure is taking place.⁴ 

Most eyelash extension salons say that they use “safe” glue. However, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate eyelash glue.⁴

The glue adheres the lash extension to the natural lash at the base. It contains chemicals like cyanoacrylate, latex and ammonia.⁵ Formaldehyde is a by-product of these chemicals. Studies show that formaldehyde and the above chemicals can cause mild to severe contact dermatitis (allergic reaction on the skin), keratoconjunctivitis (inflammation of the cornea and conjunctiva), and blepharitis.⁵ 

Other complications can arise because of poor eyelid hygiene following the procedure. It may be difficult to properly cleanse the eyelids and remove eye makeup, especially mascara and eyeliner. Makeup can build up in the hair follicles and lead to infections and symptoms of blepharitis.⁵ 

You brush your teeth,
moisturize your skin,
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Eyelash Extensions Best Practices 

The best way to prevent blepharitis from eyelash extensions is to do your research, observe the salon environment and follow eyelid hygiene post-procedure. 

  • Check reviews – what do other customers say about their experience?
  • Observe the room or environment for any noticeable hygiene issues. The technician should sanitize any tools that will touch your face.
  • Technicians should have a cosmetic license (required in most states in the U.S.).
  • Technicians should wear gloves or wash their hands immediately before touching your skin.
  • Ask for an ingredient list for the glue and any other products that will touch your skin. Check for any allergens. 
  • Cleanse your eyelids daily using a safe lash cleanser or wipe. CorneaCare’s Rise Eyelid Wipes are the perfect addition to your lash extension journey. They contain rejuvenating plant-based ingredients like hyaluronic acid and tea tree oil. Rise wipes gently remove build-up and leave the eyelids refreshed.
  • Apply a warm compress to your eyes nightly following the procedure. A warm compress, like CorneaCare’s Rest Self-Heating Warm Compress, will help keep the oil (meibum) in your eyelid glands soft. This will help prevent build-up or clogged ducts. 
  • Remove contact lenses before the eyelash procedure. 
  • Do NOT remove lashes on your own, even if a reaction occurs. You could damage your eyes. See an eye doctor (optometrist or ophthalmologist) immediately. 

Treating Blepharitis from Eyelash Extensions

We’re here to tell you that if you contract blepharitis from eyelash extensions, you can typically treat symptoms at home. 

Practicing good eyelid hygiene is the key to keeping blepharitis symptoms at bay. Eyelid hygiene includes eyelid wipes in the morning to remove build-up, a cold compress throughout the day when you experience flare-ups and a warm compress at night to wind down and relax the eyelid glands.⁴

Eyelid hygiene routine

Your eye doctor may prescribe an antibiotic ointment, eye drops or oral medicine to treat the bacteria.⁴

Eyelid Wipes for Blepharitis

Eyelid cleansing is important for anyone, not just those suffering from blepharitis. We mentioned it is good to cleanse your eyes after eyelash extension application to prevent build-up. While your eyelash salon may recommend using baby shampoo to cleanse lashes, most eye doctors don’t recommend that. 

If you do end up experiencing symptoms of blepharitis, cleansing your lids with a safe wipe is a convenient and efficient way to remove build-up and reduce inflammation. 

CorneaCare’s Rise Eyelid Wipes use hyaluronic acid and tea tree to combat blepharitis, leaving your eyes hydrated and radiant. 

Rise eyelid wipes

Rise

Eyelid Wipes

Perfect for eye dryness, itching, burning, and crusting/flaking of eyelashes. Free shipping 📦

Try today - $25

Cold Compress for Blepharitis

If you experience blepharitis symptom flare-ups, your eyes probably feel inflamed. A cold compress is a great way to soothe and cool the eyes to feel some relief. 

CorneaCare’s Rescue Self Cooling Hydrogel Cold Compresses are formulated with natural plant extracts and provide immediate cooling relief for 15 minutes. No freezer needed!

rescue self cooling hydrogel cold compress

Rescue

Cold Compresses

Perfect for sudden flare-ups of eye dryness, pain, burning, and swollen/inflamed eyelids. Free shipping 📦.

Try today - $12

Warm Compress for Blepharitis

A warm compress is a great way to treat blepharitis symptoms because it will help to loosen the meibum in the meibomian glands that line the eyelids.⁷ This helps the glands to open and allows for a smoother passage of oils, which leads to less build-up.⁷ 

As an alternative to microwaving a sock filled with uncooked rice, or wetting a cloth with hot water, you can choose to use a premade warm compress. CorneaCare’s Rest Self-Heating Warm Compress is a great way to wind down at night, wherever you are. Each compress is individually wrapped and stays warm for up to 30 minutes. No microwave needed! 

rest warm compresses

Rest

Warm Compresses

Perfect for eye dryness, fatigue, tearing, and puffiness of the eyelids. Free shipping 📦.

Try today - $30

Putting It All Together

Ultimately, the choice to get eyelash extensions is yours. Yes, there are risks, but you have to decide if those risks outweigh the benefits of having beautiful, long lashes. However, we think your eyes are beautiful just as they are!

No matter your decision, making eyecare a part of your self-care should be a priority. We are born with only one set of eyes and we use them every day to do every single task (yes, even sleep!). 

Practicing good eyelid hygiene is a tool you can use to prevent and treat many common eye conditions to help you live a happy and fulfilling life. 

eyelid hygiene all rounder

All Rounder

Eyelid Hygiene Plan 3

Perfect for eye dryness, burning, itching, grittiness, crusting/flaking of eyelashes and inflamed/swollen eyelids. Free shipping 📦.

Try today - $60

What’s Next

Curious what else you should be doing to care for your eyes? Learn more by visiting our eye health and wellness blog.

Bibliography

  1. “Blepharitis.” National Eye Institute, 31 August 2020, https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/blepharitis. Accessed 22 April 2022.
  2. Boyd, Kierstan. “What Is Blepharitis?” American Academy of Ophthalmology, https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/what-is-blepharitis. Accessed 22 April 2022.
  3. “Blepharitis – Symptoms and causes.” Mayo Clinic, 12 January 2022, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/blepharitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20370141. Accessed 22 April 2022.
  4. Mukamal, Reena. “Eyelash Extension Facts and Safety.” American Academy of Ophthalmology, 23 February 2018, https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/eyelash-extension-facts-safety. Accessed 22 April 2022.
  5. “Eyelid Cosmetic Enhancements and Their Associated Ocular Adverse Effects.” NCBI, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6592309/. Accessed 22 April 2022.
  6. Lazarus, Russel. “Can Warm Compresses Help Dry Eyes? – Optometrists.org.” Optometrists Network, 13 December 2020, https://www.optometrists.org/general-practice-optometry/guide-to-eye-conditions/dry-eye/natural-remedies-for-dry-eyes/can-warm-compresses-help-dry-eyes/. Accessed 22 April 2022.

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