Possible, with care, and with your doctor’s OK
Wearers’ experiences are mixed. Some have had lash extensions or worn false lashes alongside their scleral lenses without problems. Others stopped because of irritation, lash debris on their lenses, or worries about hygiene at the salon. There is no published research on lash extensions in scleral lens wearers specifically, so this page combines what wearers report with what’s known about lash products in general.
The most important step is to ask your eye doctor before you book. Many people wear scleral lenses because of dry eye, eyelid disease, or a fragile eye surface. Those are the same eyes most likely to react to glue and to struggle with extra debris around the lid margin.
What can go wrong
Glue and removers. The FDA treats false eyelashes, extensions, and their adhesives as cosmetics, and reminds people that the eyelids are delicate and an allergic reaction, irritation, or other injury in the eye area can be particularly troublesome. It advises checking the adhesive’s ingredients.[1]
A study from Japan reviewed 107 women who saw eye doctors with problems caused by eyelash extensions. The most common were inflammation of the cornea and conjunctiva from glue or removing agents getting into the eye, and allergic eyelid inflammation from the glue. All recovered with treatment. The three glues the researchers tested all contained formaldehyde above a standard threshold.[2] That study looked at people who had problems, so it can’t tell you how often problems happen, only what they look like.
Debris under the lens. Lash fibers, glue flakes, and mascara can work their way under a scleral lens edge, where they can irritate or cloud the fluid in the bowl. Wearers with extensions often notice more debris on their lenses at removal.
Harder insertion. Holding your lids open usually means pressing at the lash line. Extensions can make lids slippery or uncomfortable to grip, and you don’t want to pull them out. Some wearers hold the lids a little further back from the lashes, or use a stand so both hands are free for the lids.
Lid hygiene. People with blepharitis or meibomian gland problems are often told to clean the lid margins daily. Extensions can make that harder. See blepharitis and MGD.
If you go ahead
- Get your eye doctor’s OK for your eyes.
- Choose a salon that cleans its tools between clients. Ask how. Wearers who stopped often mention hygiene worries.
- Tell the lash tech you wear scleral lenses and have sensitive eyes. Ask what adhesive they use, and whether they can keep it away from the lash line.
- Remove your lenses before the appointment. Store them properly in their case. Bring glasses for the trip home.
- Wait until your eyes feel normal before putting your lenses back in, and do it at home with clean hands.
- Watch for irritation. The FDA advises stopping any eye cosmetic that causes irritation, and seeing a doctor if it persists.[1]
False lashes and strip lashes
The same principles apply. Put lashes on after your lenses are in, and take them off after your lenses are out. That’s the FDA’s general order for cosmetics and contact lenses.[3] Keep glue away from the lash line, wash adhesive off your fingers before touching a lens, and check your lens for flakes at removal. See makeup and skin care for the full routine.
What wearers say
- Some do fine. A few wearers have lower or upper lash extensions and report no lens problems.
- Some react. Others describe red, itchy lids, watery eyes, or a sting on reinsertion, and stopped.
- Debris is the daily nuisance. Extra fibers and flakes on the lens at night are a common complaint.
- Alternatives exist. Some wearers chose lash tinting or semi-permanent eyeliner instead. Those carry their own risks near the eye, so ask your doctor about them too.
What to ask your eye doctor
- Are my eyes, lids, and tear film healthy enough for lash extensions?
- Would extensions make my lid hygiene routine harder to keep up?
- How long should I wait after an appointment before putting my lenses in?
- What signs mean I should have them removed?
Common questions
Should I take my lenses out during the lash appointment?
Yes. Remove them before the appointment and store them in their case with fresh solution. You'll be lying with your eyes closed near glue and its fumes, and you don't want anything trapped under a lens. Bring your glasses and your kit so you can put the lenses back in later, somewhere clean.
How long should I wait before putting my lenses back in?
There's no tested rule. Many people wait until their eyes feel completely normal and any sting from the glue has gone. Your lash tech can tell you how long their adhesive takes to set, and your eye doctor can advise for your eyes.
Are magnetic lashes or strip lashes easier with sclerals?
Wearers' experience is limited. Whatever you use, put lashes on after your lenses are in and take them off after your lenses are out, keep adhesive away from the lash line, and check that nothing has flaked into your eye.
Is lash tinting safer?
Not automatically. The FDA warns that permanent eyelash and eyebrow tints and dyes have been known to cause serious eye injuries, and that some color additives are not approved for use near the eye. Ask your eye doctor before any lash or brow treatment.