A study conducted with young women who frequently resort to eyelash extensions has detected that most harbor tiny mites, known as Demodex folliculorum, that reside in the eyelashes, according to specialists from the Pirogov National Medical University (Ukraine). These parasites can trigger an inflammatory and painful skin condition called demodicosis.
The research, presented on Saturday at the 44th Congress of the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (ESCRS), held in London (United Kingdom), also concludes that many of the participants report discomfort from eye irritation and that most show alterations in the small glands located next to the eyelashes, the Meibomian glands, responsible for secreting a fatty substance that prevents dry eyes.
The research team argues that a series of basic hygiene measures, such as regular cleaning of the eyelashes and treatment of the presence of mites when necessary, could significantly reduce the risks associated with the use of eyelash extensions.
The study was presented by Dr. Tetiana Zhmud, from the Department of Ophthalmology at the Pirogov National Medical University, in Vinnytsia (Ukraine). According to her: "Eyelash extensions are a very popular cosmetic procedure among young women, as they give the appearance of longer and fuller eyelashes without the need for mascara. However, there is increasing evidence suggesting that this procedure can cause problems on the surface of the eye, such as irritation, dry eyes, and dysfunction of the Meibomian glands. Nevertheless, the relationship between eyelash extensions and demodicosis is still not fully understood."
Dr. Zhmud and her team conducted a survey of 345 women aged between 16 and 28 years and found that nearly one in four had undergone eyelash extension placement at some point. More than half (58%) repeated the procedure every three to four weeks. Almost half of those who had eyelash extensions (47.6%) reported experiencing discomfort, redness, tearing, or itching after the session.
To evaluate the state of the Meibomian glands, the researchers resorted to a technique called meibography, which uses infrared light to visualize these glands through the eyelids. Among the women who had had extensions at least ten times, they observed that the majority (85%) showed signs of dysfunction of these glands, that is, obstruction or insufficient production of the oily layer that keeps the eye lubricated.
Subsequently, the team analyzed with a microscope samples of eyelashes from 25 women who were regular users of extensions. In all but one, they identified skin mites Demodex folliculorum. In 18 of them, typical manifestations of skin irritation associated with these mites were observed, such as itching and discomfort around the eyelids, redness, swelling, eyelashes sticking together, and flaking at the base of the eyelashes.
Dr. Zhmud adds: "Our findings do not suggest that people should completely avoid eyelash extensions. However, they highlight the importance of proper eyelid hygiene, awareness of symptoms, and timely evaluation when these appear. For optimal care of eyelash extensions, the use of a hypoallergenic gel without preservatives, designed for therapeutic hygiene of the eyelids, is recommended twice a day with a cleansing brush for eyelashes. In individuals with confirmed Demodex infestation, antiparasitic treatment may be considered."
For healthcare professionals, the results underscore the need to consider demodectic blepharitis in patients with persistent eyelid irritation, especially in those who use eyelash extensions continuously. For the aesthetics sector, the data supports the development of guidelines on eyelid hygiene and the obligation to inform clients of the possible risks to ocular health linked to repeated extension procedures.
The authors remind that this is a small-scale study and did not include a comparison group with young women who had never had eyelash extensions. Therefore, they propose that future work incorporate a larger sample of people with and without extensions to quantify the presence of mites and analyze how the frequency of extension use relates to ocular health and symptoms of infestation by these parasites.