How to Elongate Your Eyelashes

People who want to elongate their eyelashes tend to go with eyelash extensions. Eyelash extensions come in a few forms, and usually individuals go with either do-it-yourself extensions or visit an eyelash technician for customized extensions. Neither one of these are terribly good for eyeballs for a couple of reasons. 

First, over time many people develop an allergic reaction to the adhesive/glue used to attach the extensions, which can be very uncomfortable and lead to temporary loss of eyelashes (usually as the person tears out the lashes due to intense itching). 

The second reason why eyelash extensions are not good for the eyes is they tend to matt the base of the eyelashes. There are tear glands at the base of eyelashes which secrete a tear film that covers the front surface of the eyes and allows the eyelids to glide over the eye instead of cause chaffing. If the base of the eyelashes are matted from the eyelash extensions, then this can prevent the tear glands from secreting a proper tear film, which can lead to Dry Eye. In addition to being uncomfortable, Dry Eye can cause blurry vision and difficulty with glare. 

This being said, I do not recommend that my patients elongate their eyelashes with extensions. 

An alternative that I do recommend is an eye solution called Latisse. This solution comes with an applicator and is applied at night before bed to the base of the upper eyelashes, much like eyeliner. Latisse will cause the eyelashes to grow longer and thicker. It is prescription only, but I would be happy to prescribe it for anyone who is interested. Please either ask me about it during your next eye exam or schedule an appointment to discuss further. The office number is 805-486-3585.