Beauty trends come and go, but one that has remained popular for years is lash extensions. Whether trying to achieve a natural look or something more dramatic, lash extensions can help you achieve your desired look. However, as with any beauty treatment, there are some possible risks and side effects associated with lash extensions. One of these potential side effects is dry eyes.
While the incidence of dry eyes after getting lash extensions is relatively low, it's still something that can happen. This guide will examine what causes them and how you can treat them if you experience this side effect after getting lash extensions.
What Generally Causes Dry Eyes?
When your eyes don't produce enough tears or the tear-flow system doesn't function well, this can result in dry eyes.
In addition to a lack of tears, some causes of dry eye are:
Environmental conditions include air conditioners or heaters that dry out your tear film.
Antihistamines
Menopause/Aging
Problems with your eyelids that don't allow them to close properly.
Sjogren's syndrome
Rheumatoid arthritis
Collagen vascular disorders
These conditions can all stop you from being able to cry or produce tears, which will eventually lead to dry eyes.
The probability of developing these conditions increases as we age, especially for postmenopausal women.
Symptoms of Dry Eyes
The symptoms of dry eyes can range from mild to severe. It all depends on how long you have had the condition and what is causing it.
The symptoms of dry eyes include:
A burning sensation
Itchy eyes
Stringy mucus in or around your eyes
Sensitivity to light
Eye redness
Blurry vision
Difficulty wearing contact lenses
Watery eyes (yes, this can be a symptom of dry eyes)
A feeling that there's something in your eyes
If you have dry eyes, using a prescription or lubricating eye drops can help lessen the discomfort.
Is It Possible For Eyelash Extensions to Cause Dry Eye?
Have you noticed your eyes feeling dry afterward if you've gotten eyelash extensions? If you're opting for lash extensions to get a longer look, be aware that some women have reported drier eyes afterward.
If you have long eyelashes, each blink will allow more air to reach the surface of your eye and dry it out. So, it's logical to think that having lash extensions would make your eyes even more vulnerable to drying out.
Some other issues that lash extensions may cause are:
Infections
Thinning of natural eyelashes
Inflammation
Allergic reaction
Signals Your Eyelash Extensions May Be Bothering Your Eyes
Whether you are new to lash extensions or have had them before, it is key to know the possible irritation or allergic reaction that could occur.
Symptoms sometimes take a while to manifest, but they can also occur almost immediately.
Common symptoms that may occur are:
Itchy eyes
Red eyes
Swollen eyes
Watery eyes
Crusting around the base of the lash
The Difference Between An Allergic Reaction and Irritation
Though both cause discomfort, eye irritation, and an allergic reaction to something different. A few key points differentiate between the two:
Allergic Reaction
An allergic reaction occurs when someone is hypersensitive to a particular allergen, and their immune system overreacts.
Those with allergies usually experience reactions to the adhesive materials in glue or tape.
Symptoms of an allergic reaction:
Red, itchy, watery eyes
Swelling of the eyelids
Enlarged eyes
It can take up to three days before any reaction is noticeable.
Irritation
Although both can cause watery, itchy eyes, eye irritations typically improve within a day, while allergies tend to persist or even worsen.
Causes of eye irritation can include:
Adhesive fumes can cause eye irritation.
Your eyes open at some point during the treatment.
Not enough ventilation in the lash suite.
The gel pads slide around under your eyes.
The outcome of not taking care of your eyes is swollen irritated eyes. However, if you see a change for the better over time, then it's likely just eye irritation.
How to Soothe Eyes Irritated by Eyelash Extensions?
Lash extensions are the perfect place for bacteria to multiply.
Not completely removing your eye makeup or not wanting to rub your lashes for fear of them falling out creates the perfect environment for bacteria to breed on the eyelid border and in the lash follicles.
If you have any irritation, it is essential to cleanse your lashes properly with a few things to soothe your eyes:
Take oral antihistamine medication
Apply cold compresses to the affected area
Use allergy eye drops
Apply hydrocortisone cream to the affected area
If your symptoms persist or worsen, you should see a doctor within 24 to 48 hours.
Related Reads: Everything you need to know about itchiness to eyelash extensions.
The Bottom Line
While lash extensions can cause dry eye, it's more likely that they'll lead to irritation or an allergic reaction. If you notice any symptoms, take care of your eyes and see a doctor if the problem persists. You can avoid discomfort and enjoy your lash extensions by taking proper precautions!
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