This article was originally published in a sponsored newsletter.

While at the salon recently, I was reminded of the importance of well-rounded patient care and communication. My aesthetics specialist told me she had been chatting with another client who had been in earlier that day. This client had been struggling with her fifth eye infection in less than six months. She had seen a local ophthalmologist for treatment multiple times and had been on several oral and topical antibiotics, but the infection was not improving. She finally decided to see a different eye doctor. While at this new doctor’s office, they inquired whether she had any eye treatments or procedures during this six-month period, and she reported that she had been having eyelash treatments, the last of which was a lash lift. The eye doctor informed the patient that these procedures can be problematic, educated her about the risks, advised her to stop doing any procedures on her eyelashes or eyelids for a while and helped her with the appropriate eyelid hygiene products. Within a short time, the patient was on the road to resolution. My aesthetics specialist finished her story with a difficult question: Why did this patient’s first doctor not tell her about the risks of these treatments? I responded, “Why did the patient not tell her first doctor she had been doing them?”

As I pondered this story more, I wondered how we can stay updated on the procedures our patients are having done. How do we ask questions that give patients the non-judgmental freedom to answer truthfully? Why don’t patients volunteer information that could be pertinent to the outcome of their visit?

I will never have most of these answers, but I jumped into problem-solving mode anyway and started by learning about lash lifts. According to Cleveland Clinic:

“[A] lash lift is a cosmetic procedure that’s meant to curl your existing eyelashes, giving the appearance of longer, fuller lashes…it’s like a perm, but instead of it being applied to your hair, the solution is applied to your lashes.

“Here’s how it works: At a salon, a technician will start by putting a bit of silicone mold on your eyelid using a non-toxic glue. After that, a chemical is applied to your lashes that’s meant to break down and then reorganize the disulfide bonds in your lashes, giving them a curled effect. Next, a perm solution is added over the lash and sits for about 15 minutes.

“While the procedure is fairly simple, it will take around 45 minutes in total to account for application, drying and wait time. Similar to a perm as well, lash lifts are semi-permanent — this means that once your new lashes start to grow in, this treatment runs out and you’ll need to get it redone."¹

One of the biggest problems people can experience from a lash lift is a reaction to the fragrances and chemicals used in the procedure. As with anything else, it is difficult to know whether patients will be sensitive to products without prior testing. At minimum, a patch test on a part of the body other than the eye should be done to test a person’s sensitivity to any products that will be used on them. Remember though that not all salons use the same products and even the same salon can use different products from one visit to another, so be certain to ask questions.

Other challenges of lash lifts include neglecting hygiene and long-term issues. Many patients will be less likely to practice good ocular and eyelid hygiene after these procedures out of fear of disrupting the lift. And, as with any procedure that has not been tested long-term, we don’t know what effects the products will have on eyelash growth if they’re used for long periods of time. In some cases, over-processing can result in hair loss or thinning, and all procedures that involve the eye area can put the meibomian glands at risk as well, which can lead to issues with dry eye.

So, how do we educate patients when we don’t have all the facts? The answer is simple: We can’t. What I learned from my visit to the salon is that I need to include another question when talking with patients: “Have you had any procedures done on your eyes, eyelids or eyelashes in the past year or more?”

I am thankful for every time I am reminded that patients want me to educate them in a non-judgmental way, and to ask questions for which they may not know to volunteer answers.

Lessons for better patient care are all around us. Listen, learn and be ready to adapt.

Reference(s):

Cleveland Clinic. Are lash lifts worth it? Here’s what to know before trying. January 29, 2023. Accessed April 24, 2024. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/are-lash-lifts-safe

APRIL JASPER, OD, FAAO graduated from Nova Southeastern University College of Optometry with highest honors in 1995. She is the owner of Advanced Eyecare Specialists in West Palm Beach, FL. Dr. Jasper completed her residency in primary care, ocular disease and contact lenses in Boston, MA where she also held a position as adjunct professor at NEWENCO. Dr. Jasper has served her patients and colleagues as president of the Florida Optometric Association 2016 to 2017. She continues to share her knowledge and expertise around the world authoring numerous publications, lecturing and as chief editor of Optometric Management magazine.