For thousands of years women have considered long, dark eyelashes a sign of beauty. Currently, we are witnessing the rise of eyelash extensions which are bonded to the existing lashes. According to federal agencies however, these are not without problems. Apparently, formaldehyde-based bonding agents are causing an increase in allergic, infectious and toxic reactions.
A recent study from Georgia Tech suggests that the increased lash length also causes more dust and air to hit the eye’s surface aggravating dry eye symptoms. Also, eyelash loss has been frequently described. Permanent eyeliner has been associated with tear film instability and ocular surface abnormalities, which have been reported years after their application. Risks include inflammation of the eyelid margins, dry eyes and corneal erosions.
So be careful. Everything, it seems, has its price!
Dr. Carlin is a highly experienced, board-certified ophthalmologist and Diplomate of the American Board of Ophthalmology with more than five decades of experience in vision care and surgical innovation. A graduate of the University of Illinois College of Medicine, he completed his ophthalmology residency at the University of Michigan before serving in the United States Navy in Key West, Florida. In 1977, he founded CarlinVision and has since built a longstanding reputation for excellence in LASIK, cataract surgery, refractive procedures, and cosmetic eyelid surgery. Throughout his career, Dr. Carlin has completed more than 11,000 procedures and remains at the forefront of advanced laser and refractive technologies. He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and an active member of multiple leading professional organizations, reflecting his enduring commitment to clinical excellence and patient care.