Fix Lashes, Breed Eye Infection – Expert Warns

A medical practitioner at Mushin General Hospital, Dr Ayopo Adeyemi, in Lagos has warned women on the dangers of artificial eyelashes.

Fixing of artificial eyelashes has become a popular trend in the fashion world as most ladies, regardless of the health implications, still seek perfection and class.

Speaking with newsmen on Sunday, Adeyemi listed the health implications of fixing eyelashes to be corneal abrasions or ulcers, adding that it damages the natural eyelashes, thus making the eye sensitive.

The health practitioner further explained that natural eyelashes have its natural way of preventing dirt, sweat, bacteria and other foreign materials from entering into the eye by trapping and keeping out anything that comes near it, while the artificial accommodates the dirt, thus causing different forms of allergy and infections.

“The use of harmful chemicals on the eyelashes can cause them to fall out quicker than they naturally would and it is also dangerous when tools to be used come in close proximity to the eye,’’ she said.

“Artificial eyelashes can cause trauma to the eye either through the glue and other materials used or unprofessional operators; there could be an introduction of microbes into the eye causing conjunctivitis of all types.

“The lashes themselves can cause allergic conjunctivitis trapping and retaining dirt around the eye.”