One of the most commonly reported problems is a condition known as blepharitis; a chronic inflammatory disorder of the eyelids that arises due to bacterial overgrowth on the eyelash; explains Consultant Ophthalmic and Oculoplastic Surgeon Elizabeth Hawkes in a recent article. Research carried out by Huda Beauty demonstrated just how committed British women; are to ensuring they enhance the appearance of their eyelashes.
It revealed that as many as one in six women would prefer to give up chocolate; or dating apps than give up their false eyelashes. However, it seems that the glues, chemicals and dyes used to extent; tint or even perm the lashes soon begin to take their toll on eye health. Hawkes suggests that women remember that eyelashes are there to protect the eyes from exposure to dust and chemicals; and that a build-up of bacteria and debris on the eyelids can lead to “irreversible eyelash loss.”
The red swelling that often affects the eyelid could even require an emergency procedure. “Eyelids are the guards of your vision; and are lined with eyelashes which protect against dust and chemicals entering. With all of the eyelash enhancing treatments, it is very important to take good care; of the eyelids to protect against this damage.” Elizabeth Hawkes, Consultant Ophthalmic and Oculoplastic Surgeon
Irreversible eyelash loss
The answer is quite simple. It basically comes down to a lack of care and hygiene; when taking care of the eyelids while they are at increased risk for infection. “Eyelashes play a crucial role in the aesthetic appearance of the eyes and have a life cycle of approximately 4 months, but chronic build-up of biofilm; and debris on the eyelashes and eyelids can also cause irreversible eyelash loss.” Elizabeth Hawkes, Consultant Ophthalmic and Oculoplastic Surgeon
Keeping on top of removing the biofilm and debris is the only way to prevent infection. One medical device called BlephEx, which removes biofilm from the eyelashes and eyelids, can be used twice a year to help people keep their lashes clean. People who suspect they have developed blepharitis will need to seek help from a professional who can recommend treatment. However, to minimize the risk of any further infections, it is essential to maintain general lid and lash hygiene.
Hawkes recommends using a cotton pad to gently remove any eye make-up. Contact lenses should be taken out first and the pad should be placed over a closed eye so that the cleaning product has time to soak into the eyelashes. Hawkes also advised against rubbing the eyes repeatedly since this can harm the cornea and potentially damage the structure of the eye.
Clean the eyelids
Hawkes says she is frequently asked how eye make-up should be removed and which products it is best to use. Her advice is that it is not necessarily about which specific cleansing product you use, but more about the technique used. For the upper lid, she recommends that the gentle pressing of the cotton pad over the closed eye is repeated two to three times, depending on how much make-up there is to remove.
For the lower lid, she recommends placing the pad on the under eye whilst looking up. “Be mindful that our eyelid skin is the most delicate skin on the face, so a gentle approach is key,” she says. Failing to clean the eyelids properly can cause chalazions (styes) to develop. “Management involves hot compresses and massage four times a day, but persistent ones often need surgical removal,” says Hawkes.
Rubbing the eyes can affect the cornea and eyelids and doing so repeatedly can even cause irreversible structural changes to the eyes, such as eyelid laxity. This can lead to various problems, including excessive periocular lines, where the eyelid turns inwards or outwards. This can accelerate the ageing appearance of the eye region, warns Hawkes.