Swollen Eyelid After Fake Eyelashes

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Fake eyelashes are great for enhancing our aesthetic value. However, they can be a cosmetic nightmare if you are not careful. You can experience a swollen eyelid after fake eyelashes if you’re not careful. 

This article was put together to assist those who are running into difficulties with fake eyelashes.

We’ll explain the difference between fake eyelashes and eyelash extensions and the risks associated with either option.

That way, you’ll get the most out of your fake eyelashes and continue to look beautiful without swollen eyelids.

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Swollen Eyelid After Fake Eyelashes

When wearing fake eyelashes, your eyes can become swollen due to an allergic reaction or false lash infection.

Sometimes your eyelids are swollen due to a lack of good hygiene protocols, getting lash glue in your eyes, etc. 

This is highly unlikely if you have a certified eyelash technician that follows the correct hygiene and safety procedures.

Ensure they wear disposable gloves, disinfect the tools, and wash their hands frequently. 

Swollen eyelids after fake eyelashes can lead to red goopy eyes. However, if you don’t treat it, it will lead to corneal ulcers, resulting in more vision problems. 

Fake eyelashes can cause eye inflammation and irritated eyes. This is a severe problem, especially if you have longer eyelashes. Longer eyelashes have a fan effect where the amount of airflow is increased each time you blink. 

Because of this, your eyes will dry out faster. This leads to potential ocular surface damage and more eye irritation. 

Also, fake eyelashes can have trapped bacteria and debris building into your lash line. If you cannot properly clean your eyelashes, you’ll receive Blepharitis, an inflammatory reaction in the lid margin. We’ll explain more in the next section. 

What is Blepharitis?

Blepharitis is a form of eye line inflammation where both eye areas are affected. It occurs when the oil glands near your eyelids are clogged. As a result, it can lead to irritation and redness. 

Also, Blepharitis is difficult to treat because it is a chronic condition. It can be unsightly and uncomfortable, but the damage is not contagious. While it can irritate your eyes, it is not permanent. 

Most Blepharitis forms affect children and adults equally. However, specific forms such as staphylococcal blepharitis are known to affect women (80% reported cases). 

Based on a survey caused by optometrists and ophthalmologists reported that 50% of their patients show symptoms of Blepharitis. That means that the eyelid ailment is common, and you can manage its symptoms. 

Blepharitis makes your eyes appear red, scaly, and swollen. When the scales become coarser, your eyelids become irritated and start to form a crust. 

For instance, you’ll wake up in the morning and notice a crust on your eyelids that’s heavier than the usual “sleep” crust. Instead of the white or clear color, the discharge will be green or yellow. 

If this eye crust gets into your eye, your eye might feel gritty, or you’ll feel like you’ve had something in your eye. 

Usually, most blepharitis cases aren’t preventable. Some risk factors, such as skin conditions, are out of your control. Here are some steps you can choose: 

  • Use a tissue to wipe away excessive airdrops
  • Use glasses until the eye condition clears
  • Keep face and hand clean
  • Remove your eye makeup during bedtime 

Even if you have extended eyelashes, you’ll have to reduce the amount of mascara or eye shadow you use. The number of bacteria might be lurking within the container, and you’ll avoid the possibility of infection. 

If this occurs to you, it’s best to seek medical assistance. They will have professionals that can prescribe antibiotics and other medical supplies. Swollen eyelids happen, but you can protect yourself by staying aware of your eye’s reactions. 

Fake Eyelashes vs. Eyelash Extensions

In the world of cosmetics, you can improve the look of your eyelashes. The two ways you can do this are through fake eyelashes and eyelash extensions.

We’ve put together a detailed article comparing fake eyelashes and extensions if you want to do a deep dive, but here’s the gist of it:

Weight

Fake eyelashes are made of heavy artificial fibers. They usually are of low quality, which increases the chances of swollen eyelids. Placing a strip of fake eyelashes can disrupt your eye’s natural movements. 

Eyelash extensions have the same weight and appearance as actual human hair. With eyelash extensions, you won’t even notice you’re wearing them. However, fake eyelashes will feel like a heavyweight has been placed on your eyelids. 

Application

False lashes tend to have an adhesive container and a strip of glue placed on the back. If you want to apply them on your eyelashes, simply place them above your natural lash line. You can apply false lashes on your own, but only try to wear them for a limited time due to their increased weight. 

On the other hand, eyelash extensions will have to be applied by a professional. That’s because they are trained to be careful with your eyes and make sure you’re safe throughout the process. Thus, reducing the chances of you receiving a swollen eye.

Longevity

You will have to remove the false eyelashes hours after applying them when getting the false eyelashes.

That’s because the eyelashes are costly and lower quality than eyelash extensions.

For eyelash extensions, you’ll be able to remove them after six weeks, as they gradually fall out.

Because of this, you can schedule with your lash technician in advance.

Either way, you’ll want to make sure that your fake eyelashes are high-quality to ensure that they’ll last longer. 

Risk Difference Between Fake Eyelashes vs. Eyelash Extension

Let’s analyze the risk differences between both eyelash operations. You run the risk of having allergic reactions and dry eyes (see next section). 

For instance, unclean fake eyelashes will lead to eye irritation. But in severe cases, the eyelash glue could cause blindness. 

Eyelash Extensions can also be risky. An unskilled technician can mess up while placing the extensions. Other risks are loss of natural eyelashes and allergic reactions. 

Because of this, you should make sure you or your lash technician use proper cleaning techniques. This prevents bacteria from getting into your eye and ensures you are safe and beautiful at the same time. 

Choose a good lash tech, and treat them well for good service.

Risks of Fake Eyelashes

Having fake eyelashes is great, but you can experience health issues without proper cleaning methods. Here are some things to consider before getting them: 

Dry Eyes

After getting your eyelash extension, you’re instructed to treat them with care. You’ll also have to avoid getting moisturizer in your eyes within the next 24 hours. 

After that time has passed, you must keep oil products away from your eyes. You’re not supposed to pull at them or scrub them either. 

At this stage, bacteria or dirt that’s trapped in your eye extensions might not get removed. This gives them more access to your eye and blocks the oil glands located at your eyelids. 

The oil that’s produced by the glands creates a tear film that protects your eye. The oil’s main purpose is to protect your tears from evaporation. When there is an imbalance, the tears can evaporate quickly, leading to dry eyes. 

Dry eyes are an uncomfortable side effect of fake eyelashes. Symptoms include:

  • Redness
  • Tearing
  • Burning
  • Irritation
  • Itching

Also, the blocked follicles can lead to a style. If left untreated, this can lead to a serious bacterial infection. Once the eyes are infected, you’ll experience pus discharge and swollen eyelids.

Allergic Reactions

A patch test will not help you in diagnosing an allergic reaction. In fact, most allergies will occur 24-48 hours after the fake eyelash glue is used. 

The solvents used to remove glue from the fake eyelashes will lead to an allergic reaction. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include redness, swelling, and itching. 

Before Getting Fake Eyelashes

For most people, there are no risks when getting fake eyelashes. Conduct a risk vs reward analysis if you plan on getting fake eyelashes. For instance, you must determine the risks associated with fake eyelashes and the reward if you get them. 

Eyelash extensions are not a good idea if you’re suffering from one of the following: 

  • You have broken or irritated skin on your eyelids
  • You’re going through radiation or chemotherapy
  • You’ve previously had skin reactions when using cosmetic products or eye medication.

Swollen Eyelid Remedies

Fortunately, there are ways to treat swollen eyelids. Here are some ways how. 

Cold Pack

A cold pack can help decrease the pain and swelling of the eyelids. To do so, place a cold bag of ice on the eyes for at least 15-25 minutes. 

Allergy Medicine

If you’ve received an allergic reaction from swollen eyelids, try using some antihistamine or allergy medicine. Doing so will help reduce the itching and swelling. Alternatively, using Benadryl every 4-6 hours will help. 

Conclusion

To conclude, you can get a swollen eyelid after fake eyelashes. You have to make sure that you apply them correctly and remove them once you feel them, causing a strain on your eyes. That way, you can continue to enjoy the beautiful advantages of the lashes while taking care of your health. 

Written by Kayla Young

Kayla is the founder of LuxeLuminous. She has worked professionally in the tanning industry for years. She has been interested in esthetics since childhood, and has tried every hair, skin, and makeup product ever produced (more or less).