Do you have red, irritated and dry eyes when you wear false eyelashes? If so, you may be suffering from dry eye.
Who hasn’t dreamt of having beautiful long lashes to make their eyes pop? Many of us think false eyelashes have no impact on the eyes and continue to wear them regularly. However, they are harmful to the surface of the eye.
What are the eyelashes for?
Eyelashes play an essential role for our eyes. They form a protective barrier for the eyes against external and/or environmental factors, limiting the passage of air, foreign bodies or even perspiration into our eyes.
According to a scientific study from the Journal of the Royal Society Interface, normal eyelash length should not exceed two-thirds of the width of the eye. If your eyelashes are too long, air may enter your eyes more easily, causing dehydration of the eye surface and the onset of dry eye.
In addition, too long eyelashes can prevent your eyes from blinking completely. They play a decisive role in the hydration of your eyes, however, as they lubricate them by spreading tears over the eye surface. Incomplete blinking can therefore dry your eyes.
Why are false eyelashes not good for the eyes?
Adhesive false eyelashes and eyelash extensions
The real problem with false eyelashes is the adhesive used to secure them. Many components in the glue are toxic to your eyes.
As glue is placed at the root of the eyelashes close to the meibomian glands, there is a high risk of clogging and damaging these glands which have an important role as they secrete the lipid supply of tears. If these glands are damaged, they will no longer work properly and this is irreversible.
The application of eyelash extensions is a practice that is becoming increasingly common and on trend. The extensions are glued one by one to fill in and extend the eyelashes on the edge of the eyelashes. The glue used is also dangerous to the eyes, especially for the proper functioning of tears.
The glue can also cause allergic reactions, with the eyelids becoming red, irritated and damaged.
Lastly, false eyelashes and extensions are a breeding ground for bacteria. They are usually reused several times, and without cleaning bacteria accumulates.
Magnetic false eyelashes
Magnetic false eyelashes are attached without glue or adhesive, so there is no risk of allergy.
There are two methods for attaching magnetic false eyelashes:
- Two strips of false eyelashes are placed on either side of the eyelashes and stick to each other with a magnet.
- False eyelashes are positioned and fixed with a magnetic eyeliner put in place beforehand. In this case, the eyeliner is placed on the base of the eyelashes and there is a risk that the meibomian glands may become clogged.
You will have understood that magnetic false eyelashes are less harmful to the eyes, but you still need to be vigilant.
What can we do to limit the effects of dry eye with false eyelashes?
- Opt for magnetic false eyelashes rather than traditional false eyelashes.
- Use false eyelashes occasionally.
- Wash your hands before handling your false eyelashes.
- Use eye drops to hydrate your eyes.
- Remove your false eyelashes every night before going to bed.
- Wash your false eyelashes after each use. To do this, use a cotton pad soaked with micellar water for sensitive eyes, and clean your false eyelashes focusing on the adhesive strip. If some of the glue remains on the strip, use tweezers to remove any residue.
- Perform daily eyelid hygiene by first removing any make-up with suitable micellar water for sensitive eyes. Then warm your eyelids using a warming mask or warm compresses for 5 to 10 minutes. Then massage your eyelids to remove the poor quality meibum. Lastly, use dry eye wipes to clean the edges of your eyelids.
The ideal thing, of course, is to not wear false eyelashes. You can replace them with a mascara suitable for sensitive eyes, applying it to the tips of the eyelashes.
IF YOU ARE SUFFERING FROM DRY EYE ISSUES, PLEASE SEE AN OPHTHALMOLOGIST.
