If you want to "wow" your eyelashes, you may be tempted to get extensions, though risks are involved, say experts.
During the treatment, carried out in a beauty salon, artificial lashes are applied to your natural ones, either individually or in small groups, using an adhesive.
But the adhesive can pose problems, says the German Ophthalmological Society.
Some people cannot tolerate the ingredients well, says Professor Elisabeth Messmer from the ophthalmology clinic at Germany's Ludwig Maximilian University.
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You can get allergic contact eczema on your eyelid margin.
Also, you might suffer inflammation of the eyelid margin or conjunctivitis.
Hard residues of adhesive at the base of the lashes can also cause issues, says Messmer. The residues can sustain chronic inflammation or allergic reactions on the eyelid margins.
Another risk is injury to the surface of the eye, such as the cornea.
In rare cases, you could even suffer damage to your natural eyelash follicles, potentially leading to permanent eyelash loss, Messmer says.
And if you are planning an eye operation, do ask in advance whether lash extensions need to be removed. Messmer says during certain procedures, heat is used to stop bleeding, which could cause artificial lashes to catch fire.
Other cosmetic treatments around the eyes also carry risks, according to the association, mentioning tattooed eyeliner as an example.
Studies show your sebaceous glands on the eyelid margin can be affected by such treatments. These are the glands that create the oily tear film that keeps your eyes moist. If disrupted, this can lead to dry eye.
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What warning signs should you look out for after an eye treatment?
"If redness of the eyelid or eye persists for more than a few days, you should immediately consult an ophthalmologist," Messmer says.
Also see a doctor if you experience pain in your eye or suffer impaired vision after a cosmetic appointment. – dpa.
