OCULAR ADVERSE EFFECTS AND COMPLICATIONS ASSOCIATED WITH EYELASH EXTENSIONS: A NARRATIVE REVIEW

Sandra Żak; Alicja   Ruzik; Patrycja Przebieradło; Patrycja Rędziniak; Monika Rajs; Antonina   Gaj-Hunter; Monika  Kowalska; Katarzyna Żurek; Kaja  Stolarska; Sandra   Terpiłowska

doi:10.31435/ijitss.3(51).2026.6725

Authors

Sandra Żak Jan Kochanowski University in Kielce Faculty of Medicine Kielce, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0009-0227-6899
Alicja Ruzik Jan Kochanowski University in Kielce Faculty of Medicine Kielce, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0006-6072-5005
Patrycja Przebieradło University of Rzeszow Faculty of Medicine Rzeszow, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0005-7583-1890
Patrycja Rędziniak University of Rzeszow Faculty of Medicine Rzeszow, Poland https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2301-3192
Monika Rajs University of Rzeszow Faculty of Medicine Rzeszow, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0004-3368-0847
Antonina Gaj-Hunter Jan Kochanowski University in Kielce Faculty of Medicine Kielce, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0009-6916-1391
Monika Kowalska Medical University of Lodz Faculty of Medicine Lodz, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0004-8465-2133
Katarzyna Żurek Jan Kochanowski University in Kielce Faculty of Medicine Kielce, Poland https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7073-4160
Kaja Stolarska Jan Kochanowski University in Kielce Faculty of Medicine Kielce, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0002-8849-1141
Sandra Terpiłowska Medical University of Warsaw Faculty of Medicine Warsaw, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0007-7531-6594

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31435/ijitss.3(51).2026.6725

Keywords:

Eyelash Extensions, Ocular Surface, Corneal Injury, Dry Eye Disease, Keratitis, Blepharitis

Abstract

Eyelash extensions (EEs) have gained considerable popularity in recent years as a means of enhancing the aesthetics of the periocular region. Despite the cosmetic nature of the procedure, adverse effects involving the ocular surface have been reported in the literature.

The aim of this study was to summarize the available evidence on complications associated with EEs. A narrative review of the literature was conducted using scientific publications identified through the PubMed database and Google Scholar, including articles published up to June 15, 2025. The search was performed using the following keywords and their combinations: eyelash extensions, eyelash extension complications, ocular surface, dry eye, blepharitis, corneal injury, keratitis, and ocular complications. Prospective and cross-sectional studies, as well as case reports, were included in the analysis.

The studies reviewed reported both subjective ocular symptoms, such as irritation, tearing, and foreign body sensation, and objective ocular surface abnormalities, including reduced tear film break-up time (TBUT), meibomian gland dysfunction, and corneal epithelial damage. Case reports also suggest the possibility of rare but serious complications, including exposure keratopathy, chemical injury to the ocular surface, and bacterial keratitis.

The findings highlight the importance of obtaining a history of eyelash extension (EE) use during ophthalmic assessment of patients presenting with symptoms of ocular surface disease. They also indicate the need to educate both individuals undergoing the procedure and those performing it about potential complications.

However, the available evidence remains limited and heterogeneous, indicating the need for further prospective studies evaluating the safety of this procedure.

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