HOW TO AVOID RED EYES

HOW TO AVOID HAVING RED EYES AFTER EYELASH EXTENSIONS

First, it is absolutely essential to use a formaldehyde-free adhesive to prevent a reaction. On your part, as the client, you must keep your eyes tightly closed throughout the procedure. This prevents adhesive fumes from coming into contact with your eyes, minimizing the risk of eye pain following an eyelash extension application.

You just got your first set of eyelash extensions and now you notice that your eyes are red.

Don't be afraid!

Here are some do's (and don'ts) to get rid of those pretty red, bloodshot eyes after eyelash extensions.

Why do people get bloodshot eyes from eyelash extensions? How to get rid of a chemical burn from eyelash extensions?

On our various Facebook and Instagram Eyelash Extensions groups, we get asked these questions a lot, so we decided to write a full blog about it.

What are bloodshot eyes, and what do they look like?

What causes red eyes after eyelash extensions?

Chemical burn or allergic reaction?

How long do bloodshot eyes last?

How to treat red eyes after eyelash extensions?

How to avoid bloodshot eyes after eyelash extensions?

WHAT ARE BLOODSHOT EYES, AND WHAT DO THEY LOOK LIKE?

A bloodshot eye is a condition in which the white part of the eye, also called the sclera, has become red or "bloodshot." This is the result of a ruptured blood vessel (blood vessel) on the eye itself. The bloodshot appearance is a collection of tiny hemorrhages under the conjunctiva, which is the clear membrane that covers the white part of the eyeball and lines the inside of your eyelid.

Symptoms of a bloodshot eye from eyelash extensions may include:

• A gritty feeling in your eyes
• Redness
• Pain and/or swelling around the eyes
• Irritations

Read on as we discuss the 7 most likely reasons why you might have red eyes after your lash appointment.

We'll also share a chart that will help you differentiate between the two most common causes: a sensitivity to formaldehyde adhesive vapors (i.e., a chemical burn or chemical conjunctivitis) and an allergic reaction.

WHAT CAUSES BLOODSHOT EYES AFTER EYELASH EXTENSIONS?

Bloodshot eyes after eyelash extensions are most commonly caused by sensitivity to the fumes of glue containing formaldehyde or an allergic reaction. Red eyes due to sensitivity usually clear up within 2-3 days with eye drops while an allergic reaction would require removal of the eyelash extensions.

THERE ARE 7 POSSIBLE REASONS WHY YOUR EYES ARE RED, SORE OR IRRITATED DUE TO EYELASH EXTENSIONS APPLICATION:

1- CHEMICAL BURN

Eyelash extensions are applied with an adhesive typically made of cyanoacrylate. Cyanoacrylate adhesives release formaldehyde as a byproduct of the curing process.

Some customers react more strongly than others to formaldehyde which can cause this redness in the eyes. Additionally, when the adhesive cures, it draws in moisture from the environment and therefore dries out the eye if it is open.

Another cause of chemical burn is when eyelash glue gets into the eye during a lash session. You may experience pain, irritation, a stinging sensation, or a watery feeling in your eyes if this happens to you. This is common among clients with incredibly round eyes that are naturally difficult to close.

Unlike an allergy, a chemical burn is not accompanied by swelling.

At Star Lashes World we always check if the eyes are closed before starting the treatment. We also advise clients to wait at least five minutes after the treatment before asking them to open their eyes.

This is why we generally recommend that eyelash extension technicians avoid talking to the client during crucial stages of the treatment, as it is common for clients to inadvertently open their eyes while talking.

2- ALLERGIC REACTION

An allergic reaction to the adhesive also manifests itself as bloodshot eyes in some customers. This is not anyone's fault, as allergies can differ from person to person.

Swelling may occur if there is an infection or allergic reaction to the glue used for eyelash extensions.

If you notice any signs of swelling or pain around your eyes after having eyelash extensions applied, ask your stylist to remove the eyelash extensions and contact a doctor immediately.

ATTENTION: It is important to be familiar with the different eyelash extension adhesives and their different ingredients. Understanding their composition is important when dealing with an allergic reaction to eyelash adhesives.

MAKE SURE YOUR TECHNICIAN USES A QUALITY ADHESIVE.

3- IMPROPER APPLICATION AND USE OF INSTRUMENTS AND PRODUCTS DURING APPLICATION

There is no doubt that an uncertified or inexperienced eyelash extension technician will end up making many mistakes along the way.

Most commonly, clients experience red eyes after a lash session for the following reasons:

• Pliers stuck in the eyes.
• Gel patches stuck in the eye due to improper placement.
• Medical tape touching conjunctivitis.
• cracked that break the seal needed to close the eyes.
• Patch placement higher than usual.
• Using poor quality eyelash extension products.
• Corneal abrasions caused by eyelash extensions (scratching the eyes). This gets worse when you blink, as it is usually due to using eyelash extensions that are the wrong length, curl or thickness. Or from improper application at the base.

4- POOR HYGIENE OF THE LASH ARTIST

Another damaging consequence of getting your eyelashes done by an unlicensed eyelash extension technician is infections due to poor hygiene.

Just like you wouldn't get surgery from an unlicensed doctor, the qualification of the professional is very important when it comes to working on a sensitive organ like the eye. In many cases of infections, the poor hygiene of the professional spreads them like wildfire among the clients.

For starters, failure to sanitize lash equipment between clients can also lead to bloodshot eyes. This can happen when bacteria is exposed to your eyes because it gets stuck under the glue.

5- POOR MAINTENANCE BY THE CUSTOMER

If bloodshot eyes appear a few days after getting your eyelash extensions, it could be a sign of poor maintenance.

Poor follow-up can lead to allergic blepharitis. This is when the skin around your eyes sheds more than usual with a symptom of bloodshot eyes with reddish skin around.

Make sure to use Star Lashes World Eyelash Shampoo daily.

6- EYES  HYPERSENSITIVE

Another common cause of bloodshot eyes is ocular hypersensitivity. Some clients are genetically predisposed to extreme sensitivity to chemicals or equipment used for eyelash treatment.

As a result, they may have dark red eyes immediately after a long eyelash treatment session. An additional symptom may be reddened skin where the medical tape touched the skin. In such a case, red eyes will also disappear quickly with topical treatments.

7- CONTACT LENSES

Another thing we require of people who come for a session with contact lenses is to remove them before treatment. Why? Wearing contact lenses can cause bloodshot after treatment if they wear them throughout the treatment session.

Technically called CLARE or Contact Lens Acute Red Eye, this can cause your eyes to become red when you keep them closed for long periods of time while wearing the lens. Other signs of CLARE to look out for are redness, pain, and sensitivity to light.

CHEMICAL BURN VERSUS ALLERGIC REACTION

It is important to distinguish between a reaction to adhesive fumes (chemical burn) and an allergic reaction, as these are the most likely culprits in the vast majority of cases. The cause and appropriate response will be different in each case.

Eyelash Extension Technicians and clients alike need to quickly recognize what they are dealing with in order to react appropriately.

HOW LONG DO BLOODSHOT EYES LAST?

Bloodshot eyes can last for a day, others up to two or even four days.

The duration of bloodshot eyes depends on the cause. For example, red eyes may disappear within a day if they are caused by a gel patch or hypersensitivity. However, a severe eyelash allergy may take longer.

Suppose your red eyes have not gone away even after a day. In that case, it is wise to remove the eyelash extensions as it might stop the initial cause of red eyes. In such a case, your lash artist might also advise you to consult an optometrist.

HOW TO TREAT RED EYES AFTER EYELASH EXTENSIONS APPLICATION

In most cases where your eyes become red due to irritation or a chemical burn, the symptoms disappear within a few days with home remedies.

Below I will list things that typically work for red eye.

1- DROPS FOR EYES : Opt for eye drops as this is a great tool to alleviate short term reactions.

Consult a professional who will recommend the best drops to use.

2- COMPRESSES COLD AND HOT : Applying a cold or hot ice pack for ten minutes is a great way to relieve red eye symptoms.

3- ORAL ANTIHISTAMINES :

An over-the-counter histamine tablet can quickly relieve symptoms if you have an allergic reaction.

Consult a professional who will recommend the best tablets to use.

4- HYDROCORTISONE CREAM :

Topical ointments like hydrocortisone are great for reducing the inflammation that accompanies red eyes.

Consult a professional who will recommend the best ointments to use.

5- TEA BAGS :

In addition to soothing the discomfort that comes with bloodshot eyes, tea bags can also help you deal with eye pain.

6- BENADRYL :

Whether you have hypersensitive eyes or a reaction to eyelash glue fumes, Benadryl can relieve red eyes, irritation and swelling.

Consult a healthcare professional who will confirm if this is the best choice for you.

7- WITCH HAZEL :

This is an excellent home remedy to reduce constrictions around the blood vessels of your eyes. You can apply it with lint-free cotton.

HOW TO AVOID BLOODSHOT EYES AFTER EYELASH EXTENSIONS?

Regardless of red eyes or hypersensitivity, the first thing to do is to inform the lash technician working on your eyes of your discomfort. Also, it is essential to communicate at the right time if your gel pad touches the conjunctival line or if your eyes are not closed properly.

You can also ask for an allergy skin test if you are hypersensitive and the lash extension technician hasn't already done one. They may then use a special glue for sensitive eyes. Some lash artists may even proactively increase ventilation in the studio.

At Star Lashes World we clean each of our clients' eyelashes and eyes using Star Lashes World Shampoo.

If you are one of our customers  I will clean the eyes with saline solution instead of eyelash primer before applying eyelash extensions to combat irritation for hypersensitive clients.

WHY IS THE LOWER HALF OF MY EYES RED AND SORE AFTER EYELASH EXTENSIONS?

Why is the lower half of my eye red and sore after eyelash extensions?

An allergic reaction, chemical burn, or improper placement of the eye pad to glue the lower lashes are all possible causes. If the redness is accompanied by swelling of the eyelids, this may indicate an allergic reaction.

IS IT NORMAL TO HAVE RED EYES AFTER EYELASH EXTENSIONS?

Absolutely not! Most clients never experience this discomfort. Most chemical burns can be avoided by keeping your eyes closed during the appointment, using sensitive glue, and properly placing the eye pad. However, sensitivity to fumes is no one's fault and can happen.

WHY DO MY EYES BURN WHEN I WEAR EYELASH EXTENSIONS?

The burning sensation may be the result of a chemical burn caused by exposure to the fumes given off by the eyelash glue used to attach an extension to a natural lash.

IN SUMMARY

Bloodshot eyes occur due to factors ranging from formaldehyde fumes to contact lenses, poor hygiene, improper aftercare, hypersensitivity, improper application, or even an allergic reaction to eyelash glue.

Eyelash stylists and clients must recognize the cause of red eyes after eyelash extensions to properly plan next steps.

As I explained in this article, the most likely cause is a sensitivity to formaldehyde vapors released during the eyelash glue curing process.

If so, the client will start to feel better within hours due to the hydration of the eyes.

However, if your eyes appear red with swelling or pain or do not go away after a day or two, it is essential to consult an eye doctor as soon as possible and remove the eyelash extensions. Swelling is usually associated with an allergic reaction.

If you have any questions, feel free to send us a comment below!