FAKE EYELASH AND THE HEALTH EFFECTS:

     Eyelash fixing has become an increasingly popular trend in the fashion world, becoming a must - have for women seeking perfection and a glamorous look, however, neglecting it's health implications. Eyelash extensions are a beauty treatment in which individual synthetic extensions are applied to natural eyelashes while an "Artificial eyelash" also known as fake eyelashes is one that is serving as a supplement to your existing eyelash or a replace, often temporarily or within a period of time. Artificial eyelashes can also be seen as one that isn't genuine, real or natural. Fake eyelashes are nothing new; for decades, beauty queens, celebrities and models have been using fake eyelashes and eyelash extensions to enhance their natural beauty. As with most things celebrity-oriented, fake eyelashes have become a commonality among the masses, and young girls are flocking to local beauty saloons to get the latest look from stars like Katie Perry, Lady Gaga and Nicki Minaj. Available in array of hues and textures, in full or individual strands, these false eyelashes only last for days or weeks. Although eyelash elongation creates a dazzling look to the eye, making it speak volumes, it is however accompanied with health risks. Along with everything else that people have withstood for the sake of looking more attractive, fixing of artificial eyelashes is one move potentially risky item to add to the list.

HEALTH EFFECTS OF ARTIFICIAL/ FAKE EYELASHES

1. Damage to natural eyelashes: In some cases, the adhesive used to connect the natural and artificial eyelash can break the natural eyelash. According to experts, a condition called traction alopecia  can develop if there is too much strain on the hair folicle of the natural eyelash. Some people can even have permanent hair lloss due to this condition. According to Dr. Ohueri, a practising optometrist in Abuja, Nigeria, the natural lashes can also be damaged if artificial lashes are not properly fixed on the eyelids. They can also get into the eyes and cause lots of problem. Also, the use of harmful chemicals on the eyelashes can cause them to fall quicker than they naturally would and artificial lashes causes the eyelashes to shed quicker than they are supposed to. The pressure exerted in fixing the lashes can also cause damage to the hair folicles on the eyelids, thus, making the natural lash to become sparse, brittle and break off easily due to too much pressure on them, leading to slow growth or even stops their growth permanently.

2. Eye infection or injury: The process of attaching the eyelash extensions is very dangerous since the tools come in close proximity to the eyes, therefore, it is very important to be careful regarding eye irritation. The adhesive if not carefully applied may end up reaching the eyes. Even the slightest eye irritation can cause severe eye infection. According to some studies, eyelash extensions can be dangerous due to bacteria and viruses that can get on them. Aside having to sit still and keep the eyes open till it is done, the beautician applies the lashes to the eye with a glue and often times, most of them make the lashes stick with the aid of a toothpick. Two reasons obviously make the idea of a toothpick appalling, first, it is a sharp object and secondly, the same toothpick is often used for all customers.
Signs of an eye infection include: a. Pain in the eye  b. Sensitivity to light.  c. Foreign body sensation  d. Discharge from the eye.  e. Redness of the eye or eyelid.  f. White or grey mark on the iris.  g. fever with no apparent cause.  h. Blurred or decreased vision.  i. Swollen eyelids.

3. Eye sensitivity: The adhesive can cause sensitivity and irritation to the skin. This is why it is important first to check if it does. People with sensitive skin usually suffer from rashes and irritation due to adhesive. Eye irritation and sensitivity can cause infection that can lead to eye damage or even vision loss.

4. Trapping dirt: Hygiene-  wise, false eyelashes are a risk as they tend to trap dirt and bacteria. Natural eyelashes prevents dirt, foreign material, sweat and bacteria from entering into the eyes, by trapping and keeping out anything that comes near the eyes. But fake eyelashes tend to trap and hold anything that comes around them. These harmful particles that are trapped most times causes irritation to the eyelids and eyes. This is probably the most dangerous side effect because over a period of time this irritation by fake lashes may result in blindness if proper care is not taken to having it professionally fixed.

5. Allergic reactions: Fixing of fake lashes can also cause an allergic reaction to the adhesive use to attach the fake lashes unto the eyes. According to Dr. Benson Ohueri, a practicing optometrist, false lashes do not have anything to do with the eyes but it is the chemicals in the glue used in fixing the lashes on to the eyes that is harmful because, if not properly handled, the glue can get into one's eyes and since it contains chemicals, it can cause a lot of problems foe the eyes like cornea inflation, irritation and alteration to the eyes, watering of the eyes and may even cause the eyes to swell an close shut. I do not advise ladies and more especially teenagers to wear false lashes all the time because it thins out the original lashes on the eyelids which is not healthy. From the forgoing, it is clear that the adhesives, as well as the solvents used to remove the extensions, are what have the potential to cause allergic reactions. If you shave a sensitive skin. then the glue that attaches the eyelash extensions may also cause a rash or irritation of the skin. An allergic reaction can be more serious and you may need to see a physician for medical treatment. Allergic reactions of the eye can lead to redness and when it comes to fake eyelashes and eyelash extensions, especially risky are:

•      Excessive glue or adhesive.
•      Fake eyelashes with glitter or added elements.
•      Sleeping with fake eyelashes.
•      Cheap eyelash extensions (extension tips tend to detach easily and fall inside the eye).
•      Eyelash extensions made of synthetic fibres.

     So because of the different side effects of eyelash extensions, it is important to consider other options first in terms of eyelash enhancement. However, it is really up to you if you can accept these risks. But I am suspecting that in the next 20 years or thereafter, a lot of women would have problems with their sight.