Key Takeaways

• In a survey of 345 woman between 16 and 28 years of age, almost half of those who regularly used eyelash extensions said they experienced discomfort, redness, tearing, or itching after the procedure.
• Among those who among those who had used eyelash extensions at least ten times, researchers found that 85% showed signs of meibomian gland dysfunction.
• The researchers suggested simple hygiene steps, such as cleaning the eyelashes and treating Demodex mite infestations when needed, could make eyelash extensions much safer.

A study presented at the 44th Congress of the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons suggested young women who regularly use eyelash extensions were likely to have Demodex folliculorum living on their lashes.¹ These mites can cause a painful reaction in the skin called demodicosis. The study also showed that many of the participants experienced symptoms of eye irritation, as well as problems with meibomian glands, which produce an oily substance to prevent the eyes from drying out.

The researchers carried out a survey of 345 women between 16 and 28 years of age. More than half of this population (58%) used eyelash extensions every 3 to 4 weeks, and almost half of this group (47.6%) said they experienced discomfort, redness, tearing, or itching after the procedure. The researchers then used a technique called meibography, in which infrared light is used to examine the meibomian glands through the eyelids, and found that, among those who had used eyelash extensions at least ten times, 85% showed signs of meibomian gland dysfunction.¹

Next, the researchers used a microscope to examine samples of eyelashes from 25 participants who regularly had eyelash extensions; in all but one case, they found Demodex folliculorum skin mites. In 18 cases, there were signs of skin irritation typically caused by skin mites, including itching and irritation around the eyelids, redness, swelling, eyelashes sticking together, and scaly skin at the base of the lashes.¹

The researchers suggested simple hygiene steps, such as cleaning the eyelashes and treating Demodex mite infestations when needed, could make eyelash extensions much safer. They also cautioned that this is a small study that did not include a comparison with participants who did not used eyelash extensions. Further research may include a larger group of individuals with and without eyelash extensions to compare how many mites are present and how the frequency of eyelash extensions affects eye health and symptoms of mite infestation.¹

1. Regular use of eyelash extensions linked to skin mites, eye irritation and blocked glands [press release]. ESCRS. September 12, 2026. Accessed September 17, 2026. escrs.org/channels/news/regular-use-of-eyelash-extensions-linked-to-skin-mites-eye-irritation-and-blocked-glands