A bride-to-be has issued a stark warning about the potential dangers of eyelash extensions after experiencing a severe allergic reaction that she says nearly left her blind.
Polly Bibby, 26, sought the beauty treatment in late July, aiming to enhance her look for her upcoming wedding. After undergoing a standard patch test, which showed no immediate issues, she proceeded with a full set of extensions.
Initially pleased with the results, Bibby began to experience a stinging sensation in her eyes a few hours later. Her eyes quickly became red and swollen, prompting her to compare her appearance to the character Sloth from the movie "The Goonies." The situation escalated as her eyes began to stick together due to a yellow discharge, and she reported experiencing significant vision loss.
"It got to the point where I ... couldn’t see at all," Bibby stated. "My eyes were sticking together as I had discharge building up – a sticky yellow discharge pretty similar to when babies have conjunctivitis."
She sought medical attention at a local urgent care, which directed her to a hospital emergency room. There, she was diagnosed with an allergic reaction to the eyelash extensions and received antihistamines and antibiotics. Doctors removed the extensions, a process she described as feeling like "acid was being poured onto her face."
According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, fake eyelashes carry risks including infection or trauma to the eyelid or cornea, as well as allergic reactions to the adhesive. These reactions can cause pain, itching, redness, swelling, and temporary vision impairment. The organization notes that eyelash extensions and glues are not currently regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Weeks after the incident, Bibby reported that her eyes were still red, scabby, and swollen, with lingering blurry vision. She married her partner, Benjamin May, on July 24, opting for her natural eyelashes on her wedding day.
Bibby shared her experience in the hope that it will serve as a cautionary tale for others considering new beauty treatments close to significant life events. "Going through that pain was not worth it. In hindsight, I’d just use mascara," she reflected. "I’d hate for anyone else to go through this."
