Can Eyelash Serum Cause Blepharitis?

I’ve seen patients with beautiful lash growth who then develop irritated, red eyelids. It’s a frustrating trade-off. 

Can eyelash serum actually lead to POSTERIOR BLEPHARITIS? 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Understanding POSTERIOR BLEPHARITIS

 

What Is POSTERIOR BLEPHARITIS?

POSTERIOR BLEPHARITIS refers to inflammation eyelid margin where the meibomian eyelid glands are located. This area is also known as the waterline. It’s driven by dysfunction in the meibomian glands, which normally secrete oils that stabilize your tear film. When those oil glands clog or inflame, eyelids become tender, swollen, and prone to flaking.

 

 

 

 

 

Key Symptoms of Posterior Blepharitis

• Redness along the eyelid margin
• Burning or stinging sensation
• Lash crusting or debris
• Intermittent blurry vision
  

 

 

 

 

 

 

How Eyelash Serums May Trigger POSTERIOR BLEPHARITIS

 

 

Prostaglandin Lash Serum Effects

Many high-performance serums rely on a prostaglandin analogue as the active ingredient. These ingredients push lashes into a prolonged growth phase. They are also known for lot of side effects including a type of posterior blepharitis called meibomian gland dysfunction. Examples of lash serums with prostaglandin analogue can be found in Latisse® and Revitalash®.

 

 

 

Blocked Glands and Inflammation

When the oils of the meibomian gland thicken at the eyelid margin, glands struggle to drain naturally. In fact, meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) can worsen under these conditions. Yes, lash serums with prostaglandins can make MGD worse. Add contact lenses into the mix and you introduce another source of friction and protein deposit. That further fuels inflammation.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Managing and Preventing POSTERIOR BLEPHARITIS When Using Serums

 

 

Establish an Eyelid Hygiene Routine

I recommend a daily eye care cleansing routine to keep the eyelid margins and meibomian oil glands healthy. For my patients that insist on starting a lash serum like Lastisse®, I have them start using Posterior Blepharitis / MGD Cleansing System every night before bedtime. They must do all 3 steps: ROLL, SCRUB, WASH. 

 

 

Choose Gentler Growth Aids

Once your POSTERIOR BLEPHARITIS is under control, it can be time to start lash growth again. Any patient of mine with history of blepharitis, styes, and/or chalazion - any lash serum with prostaglandins is not allowed. I've tried, but flare ups just start right back up. Instead, I have them use Lashfull Thinking® Follicle Oil instead. It's a pure, pharmaceutical grade castor oil to support eyelash follicle growth to maximize the appearance of longer and thicker eyelashes - BUT THE HEALTHY WAY! It's slow but healthy. 

 

Mind Your Contact Lens Wear

If you wear contact lenses, be especially vigilant. Remove them before bedtime. Never sleep in your contact lenses. Move to daily contact lenses if your prescription allows. See my favorite dailies contact lenses here. 

 

How You Apply Matters

For patients that STILL WANT a lash serum with prostaglandins, I discuss application technique with them thoroughly. Apply lash serum on the lash line only. Use veryyyy little. Less is more. You want to avoid drips or any excess blinking into the tears. Do not allow any lash serum to EVER enter your eye because of the potential side effects. It cannot be taken lightly. Common side effects include. 

• • Red eyes
  • Dry eyes
  • Blue eyes becoming darker
  • Eyelids becoming darker in pigmentation
  • Meibomian gland dysfunction
  • Blurry vision
  • Loss of orbital fat
  • Appearance of premature aging

 

 

 

 

Hi, I’m Dr. Tanya Gill, optometrist and founder of We Love Eyes. I started We Love Eyes in 2014 while trying to help one of my (stubborn) patients with contact lens discomfort. In 2016, I had 3 products. Fast forward to today – We Love Eyes has almost 30 SKUs. It’s been an amazing journey. Explore my life’s work at weloveeyes.com. Check out the GOT AN EYE PROBLEM section to discover my cleansing systems. I also have a ton of content at TIKTOK. See the profile page and see the playlist LASH SERUMS & LASH LOSS, xo

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

• POSTERIOR BLEPHARITIS

• meibomian gland dysfunction

• prostaglandin lash serum

• eyelash serum side effects

• eyelid hygiene routine

• preventing blepharitis

• contact lens inflammation

• gentle lash growth alternatives

• We Love Eyes POSTERIOR BLEPHARITIS care

• optometrist eyelid health tips