ABSTRACT

The use of eyelash extensions is a common cosmetic practice among women (most especially young women), which involves attaching synthetic eyelashes by means of an adhesive to the eyelashes. This study assessed the awareness of ocular complications that may arise from eyelash extension use among female undergraduate students in the University of Benin. This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted by assessing the demographic variables, knowledge on eyelash extensions, use of eyelash extensions as well as awareness of ocular complications of female undergraduate students of the University of Benin aged 16-35 using a structured questionnaire. Data obtained from the participants was processed using the statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 22.0.There were 2100 respondents, the age range was 16-35 and the age range 16-20 had the highest number of respondents, followed by 21-25. Over two-thirds of the respondents had fixed eyelash extensions (67.77%). Cosmetics/beauty was the most common reason for eyelash extensions (65.42%, n=912), followed by peer influence, mark of social class and curiosity (others). The most common complication experienced was itching (62.7%). other ocular problems were; burning sensation, lashes pulling out, heavy eyelids, discharge, tearing/watering, lids swelling, pain on the eyelids, red eyes, boil on eyelids, foreign body sensation and misdirected lashes. Eyelash extensions has become a very popular procedure, most especially among young females students of higher institutions and may cause ocular problems such as itching, redness, burning sensation, heavy eyelids, tearing, etc. Adequate attention should be paid to the potential ocular health risks of the procedure and females that want to undergo this procedure should therefore be enlightened.