Regular use of eyelash extensions may be associated with Demodex folliculorum infestation, ocular irritation, and meibomian gland dysfunction in young women, according to research presented at the 44th Congress of the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (ESCRS) on September 12.
The study, led by Tetiana Zhmud of the Department of Ophthalmology at National Pirogov Memorial Medical University in Ukraine, surveyed 345 women aged 16–28 years. Almost one-quarter had previously used eyelash extensions, while 58 percent of extension users reported having the procedure repeated every three to four weeks.
Among participants who had eyelash extensions, 47.6 percent reported discomfort, redness, tearing, or itching following the procedure.
The researchers also used meibography to assess the meibomian glands, which produce the lipid component of the tear film. Among women who had undergone eyelash extension procedures at least 10 times, 85 percent showed signs of meibomian gland dysfunction, including blocked glands or impaired oil secretion.
Microscopic analysis provided further evidence of potential ocular surface effects. The team examined eyelash samples from 25 women who regularly used extensions and detected D. folliculorum mites in 24. Eighteen participants also showed signs consistent with mite-associated inflammation, including eyelid itching, redness, swelling, adherent eyelashes, and scaling around the lash base.
“Our findings do not suggest that people should completely avoid eyelash extensions,” said Zhmud. Instead, she emphasized appropriate eyelid hygiene, awareness of symptoms, and clinical assessment where irritation persists. She added that antiparasitic treatment could be considered in patients with confirmed Demodex infestation.
The findings may also have implications for clinicians assessing patients with chronic eyelid irritation. Zhmud suggested that demodectic blepharitis should be considered particularly in patients who regularly use eyelash extensions. “For beauty professionals,” added Zhmud, “our results may support the development of recommendations regarding eyelid hygiene and the need to inform clients about potential ocular health risks associated with repeated eyelash extension procedures.”
The researchers cautioned that the study was small and did not include a control group of women who had never used extensions. Larger comparative studies will therefore be needed to establish the relationship between extension frequency, mite burden, ocular symptoms, and meibomian gland health.
Commenting on the findings, ESCRS Cornea Committee Chair Sorcha Ni Dhubhghaill, who was not involved in the research, noted: “It is important to emphasize that the presence of Demodex folliculorum does not necessarily indicate disease, as these mites may be part of the normal ocular microbiota. But it is important to detect them if they are causing symptoms, signs of inflammation and meibomian gland dysfunction.”
Source: ESCRS Congress.
