Jul 22, 2025

Eyelash Extensions & Keratitis: Prevention & Response

Eyelash extensions can enhance your look, but there's always a small possibility of eye discomfort or issues after the procedure. Keratitis (corneal inflammation), in particular, is an eye condition that can occur in daily life, but some may worry about its connection to eyelash extensions.

This article explains the preventive measures for keratitis, the difficulty in pinpointing its cause, and the appropriate responses that both salons and clients should be aware of.

What If Something Gets in Your Eye? Initial Response to Prevent Keratitis

If a foreign object like dust or a loose extension gets into your eye, the absolute worst thing to do is rub it. The cornea is extremely delicate and can be easily scratched by rubbing.

How to Respond: First, stay calm and gently rinse the eye with clean water (eye washing).
Important Note: The surface of the cornea (epithelium) can regenerate, and small scratches often heal naturally. However, bacteria can enter during the healing process, potentially causing infections like keratitis.
Recommendation to See an Ophthalmologist: Don't assume a minor scratch is okay. If you experience symptoms like eye pain, a gritty sensation, or redness, see an ophthalmologist promptly.

For Salons: If a client contacts you reporting eye discomfort, it's crucial not to give casual advice but to recommend they consult an eye doctor immediately.

Difficulty Identifying the Cause of Keratitis and Salon Responses

Even if you experience eye pain after getting eyelash extensions, the extensions themselves are not always the sole cause.

Examples from Daily Life:
- Someone diagnosed with a corneal ulcer caused by dry eye.
- Someone who got microscopic metal fragments in their eye from rubbing it with dirty hands, causing unstoppable tearing.
- (In these cases, neither individual wore false eyelashes or extensions).
Difficulty Pinpointing the Cause: As these examples show, keratitis can result from various everyday factors. Therefore, it can be difficult to definitively determine if eyelash extensions are the direct cause or if other factors are involved.
Salon Response:
- If a client suspects the extensions are the cause, suggesting they obtain a medical certificate or diagnosis from an ophthalmologist is one possible course of action.
- Fundamentally, if a client consults you about any health issue (even something like a cold), the best approach is not to make judgments yourself but to recommend they see the appropriate medical specialist.

Conclusion: Protecting Eye Safety Together - Salons and Clients

To enjoy eyelash extensions safely, proper application and hygiene management by the salon are essential, as is self-care by the client and a prompt response if any health changes occur.

Keratitis, in particular, requires early intervention. If you feel even the slightest abnormality in your eyes, don't ignore it thinking "it's probably nothing." Consult an ophthalmologist, an eye specialist, immediately. Salons should also respond sincerely to client consultations and always prioritize recommending a visit to a specialist.