in the past two years, I’ve seen a surge of my patients wearing eyelash extensions. Why? Because a set of long, thick eyelashes is fashion’s hottest new trend.

Long, beautiful eyelashes make women feel glamorous and confident; who wouldn’t want that? However, in the past two years, I’ve also seen a surge in eyelash extension-related infections. Ouch.

These infections hurt, they look ugly, and they just take up so much time! (And, we all know, time is money.) But before pointing the finger at your patient’s eyelash artist, remember, good eye care means healthier lashes as well.

So, before any more patients lose any more time or lashes, I’d like to share my four tips for eyelash extension care that will significantly reduce risk of infected eyelash follicles. Feel free to pass along to your own patients.

Tip #1
Be Mindful of Makeup Choices

I always remind my patients never to use any oil-based or waterproof eye makeup when they have eyelash extensions. Waterproof eye makeup is difficult to remove without using an oil-based eye makeup remover, and oil-based eye makeup remover can loosen the attachment point of your eyelash extensions. Use only water-based primers, eye shadows, and eyeliners.

Tip #2
Clean Them Every Night

Patients can protect their investment by keeping their extensions clean. There are safe and all-natural options for doing so. One is our We Love Eyes Tea Tree Eyelid & Eyelash Foaming Cleanser, which I specifically made safe for eyelash extensions. The tea tree oil also helps to control infection-causing bacteria.

How to clean? For best effects when cleaning extensions, patients can use a small cleansing brush. They should make sure to clean the eyelid margin as this is where bacteria and demodex can build up. Then, rinse the brush with water and clean the eyelids back and forth again, to remove the soapy residue. Repeat until soap is gone.

Tip #3
Address Eyelash Infections. Like, Right Now.

Any patient who notices an eye infection related to eyelash extensions should schedule an office visit with you right away.

Eyelid infections cannot be ignored. An infection of the eyelid can lead to a deeper infection called periorbital cellulitis, which requires an oral antibiotic treatment to prevent the infection from spreading into the eye, sinus cavity, and, in rare cases, the brain.

Tip #4
Time for a Deep Clean?

If there are ANY signs of blepharitis, the patient’s lash artist will need to remove all remaining extensions. Then, a deep cleaning is in order.

I recommend doing a very thorough eyelid scrub to remove bacteria, demodex debris, allergens, and any old eye makeup residue. One option—our We Love Eyes Tea Tree Eyelid Cleansing Oil is a great tool for eyelid scrubs.

A needed deep cleaning should be done so the eyelids are 100% sparkling clean before a complete, new, and clean extension set is put in.

With the right tools to stay healthy, patients go out into the world and enjoy those beautiful eyelash extensions. And, even though long lashes are the new fashion statement, happy eyes are always in style.

—Tanya Gill, O.D., founder of We Love Eyes, weloveeyesxo.com