THE HEALTH RISKS OF ARTIFICIAL EYELASH : Sight Medical Blog |

Image result for FIXING eyelashes pictures

The fixing of Artificial eyelashes, otherwise known as fake lashes, has become a norm and an increasingly popular trend in the fashion world today. It is a must-have for women seeking a glamorous look. However, we should not neglect the health implications associated with it.
There are typically three types of Artificial Eyelashes;
1. Synthetic Lashes
2. Human hair lashes
3. Mink fur Lashes

Synthetic lashes are made from human-made materials, including rubber and other recyclable materials

Artificial Eyelash

Artificial eyelashes are also known as fake eyelashes and often serve as a supplement to the existing eyelashes or as a replacement.
Lash glues have been rated amongst the most toxic of all beauty products on the market today for its high concentration of chemicals such as formaldehyde.

Formaldehyde has been linked to developmental or reproductive toxicity, organ system toxicity, and neurotoxicity and is a confirmed carcinogen by the National Cancer Society.

All of the glues on the market today contain some form of harsh chemical ingredients such as latex cause allergic reactions in many individuals, ammonia, phthalates, and many others.

When the glue is drying and setting, it's also releasing these chemicals into the air that we are breathing and can cause asthma-like symptoms.

Current lash glue products that claim to not have harsh chemicals in them still actually do, including sodium dodecyl benzenesulfonate.
Sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate is a skin and eye irritant that can cause permanent damage to your eyes.
In addition to these health problems, these harsh chemicals are prematurely aging the eye area and making your lashes dry, brittle, and potentially sparse.

When clients go in to get their eyelashes fixed, one thing they dont typically worry about, or even think about is the type of glue used.
The most common type of glue used for fixing eyelashes in many busy centers is black bonding glue, which is originally meant to be used for hair and can be dangerous for the eye.

Black bonding glue is dangerous

Black bonding glue forms a solid bond, and given the small surface area of a lash band, and the fact that eyelids are continually moving, that relationship will crack and weaken.

Here are some of the hazards that could be caused by the black bonding glue most people use for fixing their lashes.

A woman who got severe allergic reactions after using fake eyelashes

1. Damage of the real eyelashes- Most people tend to wear false lashes because their natural ones are neither lush nor long enough. Sadly, wearing the fake lashes regularly and also applying it with the black bonding glue puts stress on the hair follicles, exposes the eyes to different dangers, and eventually makes the real lashes to fall out and not grow back. Sometimes, in the course of the removal process, the glue gets sticky and removes the natural lashes with it.

2. They can trap bacteria- When applying glue to stick the eyelashes, you create a moist environment which makes the dirt to get caught and for bacteria to thrive.
Natural eyelashes protect the eyes from dust, foreign materials, and sweat, while low quality and unhygienic false lashes usually cause irritation and infection.

3. Eye sensitivity: The bonding glue can cause sensitivity and irritation to the skin. People with sensitive skin typically suffer from rashes and irritation due to adhesive. Eye irritation and tenderness can cause an infection that can lead to eye damage or even vision loss.

4. Trapping dirt: Hygiene wise, false eyelashes are a risk as they tend to trap dirt and bacteria, and this could lead to them infecting the eye. Whereas, Natural eyelashes prevent dirt, sweat, and bacteria from entering into the eyes, by trapping and keeping out anything that comes near the eyes.\

Information: for those in Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria, an eye doctor will be on air to discuss more on "Health Risk of Artificial Eye Lash" Stay tuned to "Orient FM 94.5