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Women who regularly get eyelash extensions may be highly likely to have microscopic mites living on their lashes, according to a new study cited by the Telegraph.

Ukrainian scientists examined eyelash extensions from 25 women under a microscope and found Demodex folliculorum mites in all but one of the samples.

These tiny nocturnal arachnids live in human hair follicles and feed at night on dead skin cells and sebum. In some cases, however, they can cause a painful skin reaction known as demodicosis, which may lead to eye irritation and swelling.

Many of the study participants showed signs of eye irritation and blocked meibomian glands, which are located near the eyelashes. These glands produce an oily secretion that helps prevent the surface of the eye from drying out.

Dr. Tetiana Zhmud of the National Pirogov Memorial Medical University in Vinnytsia said eyelash extensions have become an extremely popular cosmetic procedure among young women because they create the appearance of longer, fuller lashes without the need for mascara.

“At the same time, there is growing evidence that this procedure can cause problems on the ocular surface, including irritation, dry-eye symptoms and dysfunction of the meibomian glands,” she said.

According to the researcher, the findings could help beauty industry professionals develop recommendations on eyelid hygiene and inform clients about potential eye-health risks associated with regular eyelash extensions.

As part of the study, researchers surveyed 345 women between the ages of 16 and 28. Nearly a quarter had had eyelash extensions at least once, and almost half of those participants experienced discomfort, redness, watery eyes or itching after the procedure.

Among women who had eyelash extensions at least 10 times, 85% showed signs of meibomian gland dysfunction.

An examination of eyelash samples showed that Demodex folliculorum mites were present in the majority of cases. Some 72% of participants also showed signs of irritation around the eyelids, including redness, swelling, clumped eyelashes and flaking at the lash line.

Scientists warned that detecting mites may be more difficult in women with eyelash extensions. The adhesive is applied near the base of the natural lashes and can conceal the telltale signs of their presence.

The mites leave waxy “collarettes” at the base of the eyelashes, made up of dead mites, their waste and eggs mixed with flakes of skin and sebum. Such deposits can be difficult to spot beneath artificial lashes.

However, the researchers stressed that women do not necessarily need to give up eyelash extensions altogether. They recommend thoroughly cleaning the lashes twice a day and using an antiparasitic treatment if mites are detected.

The findings were presented at the congress of the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (ESCRS).

Professor Sorcha Ní Dhubhghaill, chair of the ESCRS Cornea Committee, stressed that the presence of Demodex folliculorum alone does not necessarily indicate disease.

“It is important to emphasize that the presence of Demodex folliculorum does not necessarily indicate disease, as these mites can be part of the normal ocular microbiota,” she said.

However, she noted that they should be identified and treated when they are associated with symptoms, signs of inflammation or meibomian gland dysfunction.

“Although these mites are relatively common, we do not usually see them in large numbers in young women,” the professor added.

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