A new study has shown that artificial eyelashes can harbor harmful insects that enter the roots of the eyelashes and affect vision.

According to research, 96% of women who regularly undergo this beauty treatment may be infected with these microscopic insects.

These insects are called Demodex in medical language. They feed on the dead skin cells that accumulate in the dried glue used to attach the false eyelashes, allowing the mites to multiply rapidly.

Health experts warn that the problem can lead to potentially serious consequences, including itching around the eyes, peeling skin and blurred vision.

Millions of eyelash extensions are performed worldwide. In this treatment, beauticians attach rods of synthetic fibers to the lashes with glue, making the lashes appear thicker and longer.

However, ophthalmologists have now warned that there is increasing evidence of eye problems caused by this method of treatment. Experts from the National Pirogov Memorial Medical University of Ukraine presented important evidence regarding the potential harms of this treatment method at the 44th Congress of the European Society for Cataract and Refractive Surgeons.

This research was done by ophthalmologist Dr. Tatiana Zhamud and her team. It surveyed 345 women between the ages of 16 and 28 about how often they wear false eyelashes. About 48 percent of women reported experiencing some type of discomfort, eye redness, or itching after treatment.

The team then examined under a microscope eyelid samples from 25 women who regularly underwent the procedure. Demodex mites were found in samples from 24 of these women. Most of them also had symptoms like itching, burning, redness, swelling, peeling of the skin and eyelids sticking together.

Demodex mites are common in adults and usually shed naturally, so are not harmful under normal circumstances. But when their numbers increase abnormally, they can cause painful eye infections.

In this regard, Dr. Zhamud advised women to clean the eyelids twice a day with the help of a soft cleanser and a lash brush.