Woman goes temporarily blind after botched eyelash extension treatment

Sometimes even the simplest of treatments can go wrong - especially when you don't make sure that the specialist who is performing the procedure is qualified and an expert in their field.

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This was the case for a 20 year old American woman, Megan Rixson. According to Allure, Megan had gone for a lash extension and ended up blind for two hours after the lash technician used nail glue instead of lash glue to attach the lash extensions.

The young woman took to Twitter to speak about her horrible experience with a video captioned "Girls be very very careful where you get your eyelashes done!! I got my individuals done today somewhere new and it turns out they used nail glue on my lashes. I genuinely lost my sight for 2 hours. Thankfully the swelling has gone down, but there still very sore. Be careful"

She's very lucky to have regained her eyesight as it could have been much worse.

What should you watch out for when you choose a technician and what questions should you ask?

READ MORE: How to get longer, fuller eyelashes — without mascara

I spoke to the owner of UniqBrows, Unaiza, who is a lash and brow technician and she shared these tips.

Which types of lash applications are there and which do you think are the best option.

There are individual lashes and strip lashes.

I would say the better option is always individual lashes because they last longer and can be refilled. It also has a more natural look depending on the length and type of lash you're looking at applying.

However strip lashes are more convenient if you're only looking for temporary length and fullness - for example a special event or a night out,. They are easily removable.

What kind of adhesives should lash technicians be using for the application process?

Both individual and strip lashes should be applied using odour free adhesives that were made specifically for the eyelash application process. A professional technician always tests the adhesive before use to be certain that the client will have no negative reactions to it. This is especially important for clients with sensitive eyes.

Which types of lash bars should we avoid?

Firstly the price of the lashes reflects the quality of the application, if the price seems too good to be true, it probably is. Secondly if you have any concerns about the qualifications of the technician, you have the right to ask to see certification.

Lastly the general upkeep of the lash bar or salon says a lot about the quality of the application. Make sure the technician and the area is hygienic and up to a certain standard.

What should you do if you ever get a botched lash treatment?

The best thing to do is visit a professional to remove the lashes immediately and go see an eye specialist. Because the eye is very sensitive, it is suggested that you avoid lash extensions for a short time period until the eye area is completely healed.

Any after care tips for people who've just got their lashes done?

Avoid water, oil and mascara around the lash extension area. Also use a small lash brush to gently comb through the lash extensions every now and then. Also remember to go for your fillings every two to three weeks to avoid having gaps in your lash line.

Another important thing to always keep in mind is taking care of your natural lashes even if you wear lash extensions. There are an array of products designed to help you maintain healthy lashes. It is also a good idea to give your natural lashes a break from false lashes regularly.

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