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"Like our eyebrows, our eyelashes keep dirt, sweat, water, and other unwanted debris out of the way and prevent them from entering our eyes," says Dr. Mirwat Sami, a Houston Board-certified Ophthalmologist specializing in Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.
Obviously the quest for beauty can come at a price. Eyelash extensions-single synthetic fibers glued one by one to natural eyelashes-are usually fixed in place by formaldehyde-based adhesives or other biologic glues. The adhesives can cause allergic reactions, as can the solvents used to remove them. In addition, cosmetic eyelash enhancers carry a risk of bacterial and fungal infection.
Eyelash extensions have also been reported to cause irritation to the conjunctiva (conjunctivitis) or cornea (keratitis). The irritation can be caused by direct contact from the lashes themselves or hypersensitivity to the substances used to attach them. Among beauty treatments, eyelash extensions account for the greatest number of eye-clinic consultations in Japan, where they are very widely used.
Whether you go for regular old glue-on versions or fancy extensions that can cost hundreds of dollars at a salon, the risks are the same. Here are five you need to know:
1. Irritation and redness.
2. Inflammation and swelling.
3. Infection. Extensions can trap dirt and bacteria, leading to serious infections, including pink eye. Signs of an infections can include pain in the eye, light sensitivity, redness, blurred, vision,fever, and swollen eyes.
4. Allergic reaction. The glues in some lash adhesives contain formaldehyde, which can cause a severe allergic reaction over time that can result in oozing and crusting. Formaldehyde is also a known carcinogen.
5. Loss of eyelashes. Yes, you can end up with bald eyelids! The glue can pull out your lashes or you could end up pulling them out yourself. Irritation can lead to a condition called madarosis, or loss of lashes. Dr. Sami also cautions that you could end up with traction alopecia, "where the hair falls out due to excessive tension placed on the hair shaft. As a result this can damage the hair follicle and slow down or even cease production of hair."
When it comes to fake eyelashes and eyelash extensions, Dr. Sami says to avoid:
Excess 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 fibers
How to avoid eyelash extension complications
The easiest way to prevent the risk of infection or eye irritation is to simply avoid getting eyelash extensions. If you want thicker, fuller lashes, Dr. Sami says, "use mascara instead. But if you decide to use eyelash extensions, make it an occasional beauty treat." And follow these tips from Dr. Sami:
- Make sure the aesthetician who is doing your eyelash extensions has valid certification.
- Ask to see the ingredient list on the adhesive being used and check for potential allergens like formaldehyde.
- Make sure your aesthetician is practicing good hygiene, including washing his or her hands thoroughly and wearing gloves.
- Lastly, if you do notice signs of infection, see an ophthalmologist/oculoplastic surgeon as soon as possible. "Perhaps, one day fake lashes will go the way of the tanning bed," says Dr. Sami, "and women will revert back to mascara. I recommend Dior Show for the splurge and Maybelline GreatLash for the ‘steal.'
Dr. Mirwat Sami is one of a handful of physicians across the country uniquely qualified to treat both medical and cosmetic problems of the face around the eyes. Her specialized training in ophthalmic plastic and reconstructive surgery help Dr. Sami provide her patients with unique and individualized treatment for their facial concerns.
After graduating at the top of her class in medical school, Dr. Sami underwent extensive specialized training in ophthalmology and ophthalmic plastic and reconstructive surgery, first at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston and then at Plastic Eye Surgery Associates, Houston, Texas. During her training at Memorial Hermann Hospital, one of the busiest trauma centers of the nation, she was intricately involved in the surgical reconstruction of complex facial trauma and burn victims.
Dr. Sami has expertise in the field of eyelid and facial cosmetic surgery, tear drain surgery, eyelid malposition correction, skin cancer reconstruction, thyroid eye disease, reconstructive surgery for facial trauma and fractures, and orbital tumors. As a facial plastic surgeon, Dr. Sami has fine-tuned her skills in cosmetic procedures that can unveil and highlight the inner beauty of her patients. She skillfully combines a woman's perspective with a keen surgical eye to detail and safety. The end result is aesthetically pleasing and attractive and unique to each of her patients.
Dr. Sami is on the clinical faculty at a number of prestigious institutes including M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas and The Methodist Hospital, Houston, Texas. She takes tremendous interest in teaching and mentoring residents from specialties including ophthalmology, plastic surgery and otolaryngology. Dr. Sami's commitment to medical and surgical excellence is unparalleled. She devotes time to research and studies in peer-reviewed journals and stays on the forefront of oculoplastic surgery education and the latest cosmetic surgical techniques and procedures. Her ground-breaking discoveries and publication on the use of Botulinum toxin have helped increase the efficacy and duration of its treatment in both cosmetic and medical patients.
Dr. Sami is a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, American College of Surgeons, American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, International Association of Ophthalmologists, Houston Ophthalmology Society, Texas Medical Association and Harris County Medical Society.
Dr. Sami is married to Dr. Shehzad Sami, an Interventional Cardiologist in private practice in Baytown, Texas. Together with their 3 children, they enjoy traveling, swimming and playing tennis.
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