Both formal and casual makeup looks to benefit from the addition of fake eyelashes. They highlight the beauty of the eyes while being reasonably easy to apply and wear. However, falsies or false eyelashes can cause eye infections if they are not properly administered or cared for, which can be caused by bacteria buildup, eyelash adhesive sensitivity, and even application injury.
Symptoms
Infections from fake eyelashes or other types of eye cosmetics can be bacterial, allergic, or the result of an injury, such as scratching the cornea when applying makeup.
Regardless of the source, eye symptoms may be similar and include the following:
- Eye Pain
- Blurry vision
- Red Eyes
- Swelling
- Teary Eyes
- Itching.
If you use contacts and are experiencing any of these symptoms, you should take them out and wear glasses until your issue is diagnosed, treated, and healed.
Causes
How can false eyelashes lead to eye infection? Infection can be caused by bacteria, eye damage during the application process, or an allergy to a component in your lash adhesive.
If you detect inflammation or other infection signs in your eyes after wearing artificial lashes, it could be due to:
- Bacteria spread if people share cosmetic products.
- Using old false lashes and other eye products (or reusing them over and over).
- Wearing cosmetics and artificial lashes for too long or sleeping with them on.
- Scratching your cornea by accident while applying lashes or makeup (corneal abrasion).
- Certain chemicals in eyelash glue cause sensitivity or allergy.
Treatment
The first step in treating any eye infection caused by cosmetics is to stop using and remove the offending makeup to prevent bacteria from spreading. To avoid an infection forming beneath the lens, you should stop wearing contact lenses until the condition improves.
Depending on what caused the infection, more therapy may be required. Bacterial infections can be treated using the following medications:
- Oral antibiotics on prescription
- Antibiotic eye drops or ointments on prescription
- Compresses for the eyes.
Your doctor may prescribe specific steroid drops or other treatment if your infection was caused by scratching your cornea, depending on the severity of the wound.
Your eye doctor may prescribe artificial tears to help relieve infection symptoms and wash away debris or discharge. As the first line of defense, lubricating artificial tears are indicated in mild cases.
Though makeup-induced eye infections are manageable, the FDA reports that rare cases have resulted in temporary or permanent blindness. See your eye doctor as soon as possible to ensure that your eyes are properly cared for.
Can I Still Apply Eye Makeup if I Have an Infection in My Eye?
It is not a good idea to wear eye makeup, eyeliner, mascara, or artificial lashes if you have an infection. It can irritate the skin even more and contaminate your cosmetics, causing bacteria to develop and spread during subsequent makeup applications.
To avoid contamination, avoid using cosmetics while you have an eye illness, dispose of old products promptly, and properly clean or replace your makeup brushes and instruments.
What Is the Best Way to Clean Fake Eyelashes?
It is just as important to clean your fake eyelashes after wearing them as it is to clean your makeup brushes. Bacteria and dirt can build up beneath the adhesive, and the lashes may take up debris from your makeup bag or wherever they are stored.
Sanitizing your false eyelashes prevents infection and extends their wear time, allowing you to reuse them numerous times safely.
Here is how to take care of your fake eyelashes:
- Use an oil-free eye makeup remover to remove adhesive and residue from your artificial lashes.
- Using tweezers, remove any softened, residual glue from the base of the lashes.
- Rubbing alcohol should be used to disinfect the lashes.
- Allow your lashes to air dry completely before storing them to avoid germs and mold growth.
- Put your artificial lashes in a clean, dry, and cold environment. Unless they come with their little case, please do not keep them in your makeup bag.
Safety Tips
Preventing eye infections and other risks connected with eye makeup and false lashes requires keeping your cosmetics and the area surrounding your eyes clean.
When it comes to wearing cosmetics around your eyes, the following are some best practices:
- When applying or removing makeup, always use clean hands.
- Before applying cosmetics, please read the label to see what is in them. If you encounter something that has previously caused an infection or an allergic reaction, stay away from it.
- Remove any products that you used to treat an eye infection.
- Cosmetics should not be shared.
- Expired cosmetics should not be utilized, and used goods should be disposed of after two to four months, as directed by the manufacturer.
- Do not moisten dried-up mascara or other products using water or saliva.
- Only use products that have been approved for use near the eyes and are labeled as such.
- While riding in a car or other moving vehicle, do not apply (or remove) cosmetics. If you are in a bumpy ride, you can jab your eye and scratch your cornea, causing inflammation and infection.
- Be cautious while trying on “trial” makeup at stores. To avoid viruses from strangers, always use a clean applicator, such as a new cotton swab (rather than putting it directly from the container to your face).
- Keep your cosmetics in a cool, dry location. When products are left in the car, they might overheat, compromising the quality of the ingredients.
Lash Extensions Vs. Fake Lashes
Although both fake lashes and lash extensions can cause an eye infection, they are not the same.
While artificial lashes must be applied every time they are worn, eyelash extensions only need to be applied once and can last for weeks or months.
Except for magnetic fake lashes, both falsies and extensions are applied with glue, which can irritate certain people. Before using the glue to your eyelids, you should undertake a “patch test” on another region of your skin to ensure you do not have an adverse reaction.
Lash extensions should also be administered by a trained, qualified technician, as the procedure is a time-consuming, in-depth process that takes place around your sensitive eyes. If you apply too much glue for fake lashes or lash extensions, it might weigh down your eyes and cause irritation.
Always use your cosmetics correctly, no matter what they are. Hygiene and cleanliness play an essential role in keeping your eyes healthy and looking glamorous.
Please consult your optometrist as soon as possible if you experience any irritation or signs of infection after using lash cosmetics.
