The Problem With Eyelash Extensions

It’s sebaceous soup

[@chrisflynn372]

As an Anesthesiologist I hate these too. How the heck am I supposed to protect your corneas from these things while you're knocked out?

[@darkobecker4534]

Especially if you need to pronate the patient.

[@dr.floridamanphd]

If it’s a planned procedure can you tell the patient ahead of time to remove them so they don’t risk blindness as a result? 🤷‍♂️

[@MsGenXodus]

I was coached to have my fake fingernails removed before surgery. Maybe include lash extensions as part of the surgical prep instructions for the patient along with fingernail polish/fake nails.

[@talithasuya8908]

How are the corneas in danger if the eyes are closed?

[@dr.floridamanphd]

@@talithasuya8908 eyes can flutter causing the lashes to fold inward.

[@heathermarie8334]

tell em about the mites, doc -- TELL THEM ABOUT THE MITES

[@chupaxf]

Yeah this whole video I was screaming “AND WHAT ABOUT DEMODEX?!”

[@Julia-lk8jn]

Okay, but we've all got mites in our eyebrows and lashes anyway .

[@royceroyce7715]

​@@Julia-lk8jn but would you like mites on your mites? :D

[@ericb8413]

It’s a mite farm with these eyelashes.

[@LaFlor718]

I stopped getting lashes done because I could feel the mites crawling in my lash line. Horror movie level stuff.

[@fabrisseterbrugghe8567]

Sebaceous swamp. A phrase to put fear in the heart.

[@elizabethkelley5858]

Yeah

[@Foundinwonderland]

Texaco Mike is offended at your swamp fear

[@staceyshere]

🤢🤢🤢

[@vickbbwar]

It really worked 💀💀💀💀😭😹

[@explodingdog]

GUNK

[@williamhrivnak7345]

I love whenever you randomly post a serious educational video about the eyes so that we don’t forget you’re a real ophthalmologist

[@Oznej]

Don't be silly, it's Jonathan that does the posting.

[@Ferd414]

@@Oznej I thought Texaco Mike was responsible for the tech stuff like social media postings???

[@syedhamdan5629]

​@@Ferd414 nah the insurance bro isn't allowing texaco mike

[@Ferd414]

@@syedhamdan5629 Typical spoilsporting by bean counters...

[@RobertJohnson-hp4gz]

These videos are fine until someone’s FEELINGS get hurt, then factual advice will get thrown out the window.

[@DocVL]

We're all scared, doc.

[@rusinoe8364]

I'm shook

[@Ferd414]

Well, for values of "scared" that include "disgusted", I guess. Someone having such pathetically low self-esteem as to want to look like a hooker trying to catch a trick is much more disgusting than scary to me...

[@kerrykrueger]

Can we talk about the microbladed eyebrows? While it may not affect one's vision, it's a very disturbing trend. Why? Because it looks so very bad.

[@mcinzie]

​@@kerrykrueger Please remember when you see microbladed eyebrows that some of us have alopecia. Tattoos are the only way I can have permanent eyebrows.

[@royceroyce7715]

​@@kerrykrueger I think you're just seeing bad work there, pally, most of the microblading I've seen IRL was indistinguishable from well maintained eyebrows. I only knew because they told me that was what they'd done, not that they knew a true Witch of the Wax when I asked where they went😂

[@mylifewithmarmalade4624]

Optician here with a dear friend who is an esthetician and does lash extensions. The biggest problem is that those extensions can’t be cleaned the way you would normally clean your eyes/lashes. Many soaps/cleansers/makeup removers will damage the glue. They do make specialized cleaners and cleaning brushes which helps a lot IF people use it. But people don’t, or at least not daily like they should. My friend has had clients she has “fired” because they take such terrible care of their lashes and she ends up spending 20 minutes at every appointment just trying to clean things up enough that she can work. Also I feel like all the extreme lash extensions peeps are the same people who wear colored contacts and try to “stretch them,” sleep in them, etc. Then wonder why they have a raging eye infection. We had a lady in last week with bilateral fungal keratitis from that combination. We’ve started keeping the glue dissolver and disposable spoolie brushes in the office so we can take the lashes off immediately for them in those situations. Lady wasn’t happy when we told her the lashes and the contacts were both going in the trash and she was to put NOTHING other than the prescribed drops on or in her eyes for the next 2 weeks and then if her eyeballs were still intact we’d talk about the future of her wearing contacts.

[@zambezianrose4061]

Is it okay to apply them once in a while?

[@mylifewithmarmalade4624]

@@zambezianrose4061up to you. It is important to note that lash extensions pose three major risks: 1) Injury or infection due to unsafe or unsanitary application practices. 2) Injury due to loose lashes or trapped detritus getting in the eye. 3) Infection due to the ease with which they build up a breeding ground for all sorts of nasty germs. Risks can be decreased but they can’t be eliminated. The ways you reduce the risks include: 1) Always using a qualified licensed esthetician for application, fills, and removals. 2) Making sure you fully remove any surrounding makeup with a lash safe remover every day and then washing the lashes and the eye area with the appropriate lash cleanser and brushes and making sure those lashes are fully dried before heading to bed. 3) Being very careful that you are properly managing everything else that can also have risks of injury/infection (never sleeping in contact lenses, properly cleaning and replacing contact lenses, regularly replacing any liquid eye makeup products (like mascara/liner) and keeping makeup brushes very clean. Personally I prefer the old school strip lashes for special occasions. They come off at the end of the day, you can fully clean your eye and natural lashes without worrying about damaging the lashes and glue, and you can either toss the lashes or more easily fully clean and dry them for storage.

[@Blue_Sonnet]

Cognitive dissonance in action! Maybe show her a high-res photo of her eyelids & see if that drives the point home?

[@Blue_Sonnet]

​@@zambezianrose4061The lashes? It's not as bad as all the time, but not as good as never. You're better off with temporary strip lashes, they're less likely to pull out your own lashes & it's much easier to keep your eyes clean.

[@vinswotter]

"Emotional support lashes".

[@Nwakaego_]

A lot of us women hate them too, doc.

[@MsSweets0211]

What about wigs? You wear those right?

[@JaneDoe-ym7de]

@@MsSweets0211People are allowed to like and dislike things. You may not possess the intelligence to understand that, but the rest of us do. You really thought you got her with that one LOLLLLLL

[@Nwakaego_]

@@MsSweets0211 No, I actually don’t. My profile pic is my natural real hair. Have the day you deserve though!

[@Nwakaego_]

@@JaneDoe-ym7de Thank you, Jane! That rude commenter is out here on the internet being loud and wrong!!🤣 Embarrassing herself by showing her incompetence. Tragic for her!

[@SophiaCutesy]

@@MsSweets0211Racist little rat

[@ironyusedincorrectly]

I can't even get my normal eyelashes to not poke me in the eyeball, never mind some inch long prong stuck on my face.

[@Debbie338]

As the great Mitch Hedberg once said: Eyelashes evolved to protect our eyes, but every time I get something in my eye, it’s an eyelash.😅

[@ironyusedincorrectly]

@Debbie338 I wish he were still here 😢 Such a funny guy. Especially because his brand of humour wasn't dependent on watching the news.

[@Debbie338]

@@ironyusedincorrectly I know…I loved him, too. I wish he’d paid more attention to the fact that a congenital heart problem and cocaine are a terrible mix. 😢

[@elleryrhodes8818]

YES!!!

[@alextaws6657]

@@Debbie338 to be "that guy": i mean, that shows that eyelashes are doing a perfect job :D

[@Iflie]

I just watched a video about people sticking on the "permanent" lashes and shining a U.V light into the eyeballs to cure the glue faster, causing all kinds of issues. Selling it as if it makes them last longer. Your vision certainly isn't going to last longer...

[@Call-me-Al]

That's terrifying!

[@Iflie]

@@Call-me-Al Right, it's like the basement veneers, they are teaching eachother to do this and sell it as U.V lash extentions like it's a normal thing to do.

[@jjj1981jj]

Wow. Are people really that dense?

[@Iflie]

@@jjj1981jj Very much so, I expect we'll start hearing about loss of vision soon.

[@whyamiwastingmytimeonthis]

“UV light into the eyeballs” *WHAT THE F-*

[@mattwho81]

“I’m scared. Where’s Jonathan? Jonathan?!!!” … Reassuring serene nod.

[@Deltarious]

Quick someone call in Jonathan before the Ophthalmologist has a crisis!!!

[@mattwho81]

Reassuring nod.

[@cav89-]

This is the ophthalmologist, not Ophthalmology!

[@JonathanMichael]

I would say back in med school during my ophthalmology rotation probably one of the leading causes of hordeolum are indeed eyelash extensions

[@Amandaaa2244]

Yeah, I have patients all the time with them and they ask why they get so many styes or why they get blepharitis/conjunctivitis/contact dermatitis and I’m like “um… I mean…” Usually if I tell them they’re allergic to the glue that can convince them to stop using them. Many of these patients are in fact allergic to the glue (hence the contact dermatitis) so it’s not like I’m lying to them.

[@elyisus8145]

Hordeolum, a horde of Gollums? OMG poor eye (haha kidding, just love to learn new words)

[@ariannasv22]

Is this the Johnathan everyone is going on about

[@MTx485]

@@ariannasv22 I’m also curious 👀

[@666Tomato666]

"I would look great in them" - ah, humble, I see!

[@mariaperez-rz8eg]

I'm 100% with you doc! I showed his to my 17 year old sister who desperately wants fake lashes 🙄 and it made her mad because you're not helping her case 😂. Thank you! 👏🙌👍

[@jeishiikanzaki]

Falsies you wear temporarily are just so much better because you can change up your look. More natural for every day like work or school and glam for a night out, only reducing your vision for a few hours instead of a few weeks lol. And much much cheaper.

[@Courtannica]

I mean.... these lash extensions are clearly the over the top mega volume ones. Nothing wrong with the shorter/wispyer extensions

[@carolperdue7534]

@@Courtannicayou would still have the issue of not allowing the oil secretions from the lash follicles to be evacuated daily. Plus glue allergies are a thing. Better to stick with temporary lashes that can be removed daily and only use fake lashes for special occasions, which is what they were intended for.

[@Courtannica]

@@carolperdue7534 I dunno.... lash extensions look so much more natural (when done in a natural way) compared to falsies.

[@miaa7968]

@@carolperdue7534 You wouldn't have that issue with sensible sets. no. False lashes done in the classics up to the hybrid style are attached as one fake hair to one individual lash hair 2mm from the root. None of that affects oil evacuation. I'm an incredibly health-conscious MD student in my 4th year. I grilled my GP, optometrist, and any ophthalmologist I could find on my ward rotations about lash extensions before I ever considered getting my first set done and all of them said as long as I kept them simple and cleaned my lashes thoroughly, functionally it was no different to being gifted with thicker lashes naturally. You'd be right about a set like the one pictured in the actual video, but not natural sets. I would highly suggest researching a topic more thoroughly before speaking on it. A lot of female med students and doctors get them done and it's no different from being smart about hair extensions, pedicures, scented skincare, etc.

[@dreampiper]

I love how he starts of with medically terming everything and laying out the potential physiological problems… and then ends it by summing it up by saying it’s just plain gross, man!

[@WillWorkForDopamine]

As a pharmacist I’m thankful for that posting. Just educated my client with the eye inflammation that it might be the newly put on lashes contributing to it.

[@ChartreuseDan]

I like the comedy sketches about medical/surgical/insurance-paying life in general *AND* I like the videos where we get actual useful opthalmological advice. You're one of the youtube GOATs

[@sonakshiawasthi]

The trend of false eyelashes is not dying out sooner coz it's one of the very few trends that both western and eastern beauty industries fantasize upon. Having Long lashes is considered very feminine and doll-like. I remember Barbie dolls used to have such unnaturally big lashes to make them look soft and dreamy 🤦‍♀️

[@Oznej]

I remember reading that men on average have longer eyelashes, so it's a bit strange that it's considered feminine.

[@Call-me-Al]

False eye-lashes that you wear for a wake-cycle at the longest isn't really anywhere as much of a problem as eyelash extensions when it comes to buildup and irritation. Products you wear for 2-10 hours isn't as bad as products you wear for weeks straight. There's that horrifying example of that lady who never removed her mascara and always slept in it, she even got some scarring and worse. It's like wearing high heels for a few hours isn't going to harm you, but if you always always wear high heels, then your feet are going to get incredibly messed up and damaged.

[@Call-me-Al]

​@@Oznej That reminds me of that all the trained dogs that played the female dog character Lassie were male dogs, because the male dogs of the breed have notably nicer and denser looking fur than the female ones and the ones behind the show felt that look was desirable for the female character.

[@talithasuya8908]

@@Call-me-Al How interesting!

[@sonakshiawasthi]

@@Oznej beauty standards r always strange, just look at the history of what was considered "beautiful" in different time periods throughout history and none of them made any sense as to why those features should be considered attractive.

[@youdidntseeanything8589]

Anyone else remember the post from some poor random boyfriend, who got scared out of his wits thinking there was some new demon mutant spider on his bathroom counter, and it was kust his girlfriend's false lashes? 😂😂😂😂😂

[@SamlSchulze1104]

I favorites are the ones going through high intense winds. It's like they're waving "hello".

[@sylvanafow1340]

😂😂😂

[@liladjgal1204]

Honestly I was considering eyelash extensions before this video but I listen to Dr. G

[@erikaquatsch2190]

Thank-you for addressing this! I'm an RN who does not wear these, or long, fake nails, or necklaces or large earrings a patient could rip off my body. I'm astounded at the number of direct-patient-care providers who value their decorations more than safety. I'm the weird outlier who pins her essential watch upside down on her chest so that I can wash my hands and wrists effectively.

[@karybakk]

No kidding. Nursing school basics is how to present yourself so you don’t harbor bacteria, or suffer injury by dangling jewelry. The amount of earrings people lose in the OR is astounding. Why would you wear your diamond earrings to the OR when you have a hat and mask and protective gear that could easily make them fall out with placement or removal. People Have no common sense

[@blouburkette]

Ooh. I'd never thought to do that with a watch. Good idea. I'm not a nurse but do have to wash my hands frequently. Taking off my watch can be a hassle in a pinch. 10/10

[@sciencelabvideosl7558]

That’s a wonderful idea. I’m a teacher but I’m always washing my hands .My hands probably don’t get as dirty as yours, but trust me, I wash them a lot.

[@erikaa.3030]

I’m so proud to share a name with you. Congrats and keep going lol

[@ashleylala4293]

Dear God, I hope you don’t have an Apple Watch on your chest. If so, please watch Generation Zapped.

[@sweetlorikeet]

If you're wearing eyelash extensions, there are special cleaning routines you're supposed to carry out daily to prevent all the nasty gunk buildup. Some people don't do these daily cleanings, either through lack of education or lack of interest in cleanliness, and that's when you get to see fun things like eyelash mites.

[@denisevermeulen4984]

I own a beauty business, and do lashes. The ones you’ve shown are not my esthetic or my clients. I educate my clients about proper lash hygiene. They all leave with shampoo made for lash extensions. A soft brush to “scrub” the extensions and a mascara wand.

[@KerryLuckett]

Yes, Dr. Glaucomflecken, your eyes would simply POP in those cumbersome tarantula legs. 😂😂😂😂

[@DebiM75]

0:55 Sebaceous swamp would make a great name for a band.

[@KiKiCarr]

this happens when the client is more concerned with keeping the lashes on more than keeping them clean .. when you wash them daily this doesn’t happen and just like real lashes they will shed .. they prevent shedding by not washing and that’s how they get eye mites

[@kathydonaldson863]

This is the PSA we need.

[@erikaquatsch2190]

prostate specific antigen?

[@rachelartis4433]

@@erikaquatsch2190 was thinking the same thing and wondering how it was relevant!

[@erikaquatsch2190]

@@rachelartis4433 😆

[@kathydonaldson863]

@erikaquatsch2190 lol, naturally. Definitely not a public service announcement.

[@erikaquatsch2190]

@@kathydonaldson863 Hi Kathy! Of course, I know better, but I was once caught off-guard and confused with these initials in a conversation with a public relations director about neutering a male cat at my local humane society🤣

[@marzettik]

"I'm kinda scared. " You and me both. ❤

[@nataliesutherland6655]

One of my (grown) children got a very bad eyelid infection from these lashes, and they were, in no way, as extreme as the ones shown here. Just a regular set, applied at a salon. It took awhile (and topical prescription medication) to clear up. It could have been worse, as well. The problem is that the normal sized fake lashes really do look nice. But I'm not sure it's worth a potential loss of sight, or some related harm, to utilize them.

[@barbdowns1]

Thank you for this video. I have nearly non-existent eyelashes. They’re sparse and short and fake eyelashes have been recommended to me several times by many different folks in the beauty biz. I already live in an extremely arid desert climate and have some problems with dry-eye vs contact lenses (which I am very diligent about caring for). I’ve been tempted to have these lash extensions applied, and after seeing this video - NOPE! That looks like an eye infection just waiting to happen. What I wish someone could invent for my eyes is a cure for extreme farsightedness. I have an 8.5+ contact lens rx and 2.5+ readers prescribed since I struggle with bifocals causing migraines. That basically means that I have an 11x magnification to correct my sight. School microscopes have 10x magnification settings - so I have to wear microscope lenses on my face to function. Much to everyone’s relief, even with my lenses on, I don’t drive much or do firearm target practice at local gun ranges. Even bowling has been known to be hazardous when I’m present because I often somehow will get the ball in the adjacent lane … even when the “kiddie” bumpers are put into the gutters to prevent that outcome. I’m not a candidate for lasik because my corneas are flat - and most of those procedures involve sculpting tissue away from the corneas. So I would either end up with corneas that are either shaped like bialys or look more like a sloppy pyramid that doesn’t cover the whole Iris. 😢 If there are ever treatments that can safely help the poor little raisins in my noggin that I use to see what little I can, please share those in a video sometime. I’m grateful I don’t have macular d like my mom did or glaucoma like my hubby does or ocular nerve problems like my friend has. I’m grateful to see at all. I’m vision impaired and accident prone - so for the sake of all those around me - it sure would be nice if we could someday find a solution to one of those problems. Good video! ❤ I LOVE your channel. Thanks again 😊

[@le13579]

I'm short sighted. Could we swap one eye each and end up with functional sight?

[@mrslvw]

Why not PRK?

[@barbdowns1]

@@mrslvw the shape of my cornea makes me not a candidate for PRK according to a few doctors I’ve gotten consultations from. Unfortunately.

[@mrslvw]

@@barbdowns1 that bites:( usually prk is alternative if not a lasik candidate. There's another video on here about glaucoma surgery being a good alternative for lasik especially once 40+

[@dianebourne6297]

Maybe talk with your I care professional about Latisse for longer lashes. Made mine outrageous ;)

[@rebeccajesse4604]

lol I can see how some people enjoy them, but I think the compromise is to use the more temporary ones for fun events/a day you want to feel glamorous and remove them often to give your eyes a break

[@loft777]

Just seeing this make my eyes itch

[@yorkshirepudding9860]

It’s really scary how looking like a pantomime horse is becoming normal.

[@kazalmishra5459]

😂😂😂

[@azigar]

ah, Eye Bro! Speak it!!! Eyelashes and cosmetic contact lenses bought over the counter in beauty stores

[@StarUnreachable]

I know this has other potential problems, but “not having something poking my eyes” was why I went for having a lash lift and tint instead of extensions when I got married.

[@chloe.cordeiro]

I felt the collective grimace when he said "gunk" 😂😂😂

[@Uufda651]

Studies have consistently shown that appearance can majorly affect women's pay rates, perception of competence, and likelihood of promotion, so realistically most women aren't going to give up makeup. It would be great to do a video and/or Knock Knock Eye episode on what makeup eye products are safest and how to minimize issues. Tubing vs wax based mascara vs "growth serum" for eyelashes. Plucking vs shaving vs waxing vs threading on the eyebrow hairs on the orbital socket. Mica, aluminum, and silica in eyeshadows, etc. The toxic stuff like mercury in counterfeit cosmetics from overseas, etc.

[@fabrisseterbrugghe8567]

It depends, partially, on the profession and majorly on the region (New England doesn't care about makeup; the South thinks women w/o makeup are of the devil), but I would love it. Especially a good mascara for contact lenses or ones that can be removed completely. Ooh, and include what makeup remover can do to the eye!

[@666Tomato666]

@@fabrisseterbrugghe8567 believe me, what most men call "natural" look is a result of applying half a dozen beauty products to the face. Basically no woman goes out without at least a little bit of makeup. And I'm talking about my own experience of women in _engineering._

[@Call-me-Al]

​@@666Tomato666 That highly depends on what circles you move in and the country/region you're in. Like for instance as far as I understood it in Korea the pressure to look good is insanely high. But I've gone out with zero makeup (untinted sunscreen isn't makeup) as often or more than with makeup, and the other women at my workplace often don't wear makeup. Even though I love wearing unconventional artsy makeup, colorful lipstick including unnatural colors like green, blue, purple, grey, and so on, and color mascara like cyan, purple, mint, blue, etc. (Just not usually not all in one go, I like one focus point if I'm not heading to something like a festival or costume party). I'm extremely well aware of the difference between no-makeup looks and actually no makeup, because it's really fascinating and good to know about even when you're personally more interested in just slapping one iridescent or neon color on your eyelids and a happy lipstick color and call it done (without primers, no foundation, no concealer, etc).

[@ada5851]

One of the nice things about working in healthcare (especially as a nurse) is nobody really cares how you look as long as you're fairly presentable (caveat: at the START of the shift at least...). Competence is seen by your actual practice. Sometimes women who are dolled up for work may actually be perceived negatively because it could be associated with self-obsession and laziness when it comes to actual patient care.

[@rsh793]

You know what REALLY works - confidence and negotiation skills - never been in a job any male or female wearing make up made more than I did! And it works for other things too! Nice, calm, polite assertiveness is far better than wasting time on make up or stupid stick on stuff

[@thedarkside7508]

Thank you. I was asking myself if I needed these in my life but I value health more than perceived beauty so I'll pass and be happy with my original eyelashes which do a great job eyelashing!

[@Blue_Sonnet]

Just use the strip lashes that you take off after a few hours - you get the look without the potential blindness 😅

[@socpancake]

thank you for this PSA! not to mention the absolute horror of using GLUE on your EYELIDS to stick some gunky plastic there just for this scary aesthetic 😖

[@nyarparablepsis872]

I feel so validated right now

[@TofJerusalem]

Thank you, doctor. What a needed piece of information.

[@kaylynnirvinesthetics]

As an eyelash extension technician, this happens if the clients do not properly care for their lashes. The "gunk" or sebum/debris build up is directly correlated to the clients at home care for their lashes. Lash Techs cleanse the lashes everytime the client comes in for a fill or for their first appointment. I recommend they cleanse their lashes daily to prevent this build up and will NOT apply lashes on clients who will not take proper care of their lashes. Before the last two to three years there was a lot of misinformation in the lash tech training such as informing clients to not wash their lashes. However, after seeing this on many clients the training has been updated and it is now recommended that clients wash their lashes. Other lash techs may choose to still apply extensions for clients who won't follow proper care but I personally choose not to. Eye health is the main importance in this practice for me and protecting the clients vision and eye health is the number one thing I care about. I also will NEVER recommend extensions to clients who suffer from allergies, as rubbing the eyes with the extensions on is such an easy way to scratch their corneas.

[@lyrablack8621]

Your comment makes me feel so much better, thank you! ☺️☺️

[@prestobizmal]

I'd love a deep dive into styes! How they happen, what they are, how to treat them etc.

[@Amandaaa2244]

I had fake eyelashes for my wedding because my mom said I should get them… and absolutely hated them. I tore out most of my natural eyelashes to try to get them off so I could look less like a hooker at my wedding… and the new job I was starting the week after my wedding. I told the lady I wanted to look as natural as possible and I’m pretty sure she heard me say “unnatural”

[@kathyr1592]

😅 . . . so I could look less like a hooker at my wedding 😂🤣

[@cbpd89]

I ended up using scissors on mine so they'd be the same length as my normal eyelashes as they started falling out. I won't be getting them again. Even the most mellow ones are gigantic!

[@Amandaaa2244]

@@cbpd89 I tried using scissors but it made them super blunt and even more hideous so just tore them off haha

[@willieverusethis]

Ouch.

[@sammymullins2014]

I would have had her start over. If you don't listen to me and I don't like the results because you didn't listen I deem it ok to be a "Karen" although in that situation you aren't actually a Karen because they didn't listen to you and did in fact not know better than you the customer

[@devanbrowne8706]

Be worried, fake eyelashes aren't real, they can hurt you.

[@zeideerskine3462]

I am a woman but these things creep me out. They always look like creepy crawlies on the eyes.

[@oneminuteofmyday]

Yes! My first thought when seeing them is spiders.

[@jeishiikanzaki]

​@oneminuteofmyday caterpillars! And when people get the full glam deep black but they're blonde and fair they look so out of place.

[@swisski]

When I see them, it reminds me of fuzzy furry black caterpillars.

[@Madamoizillion]

I try not to judge people's choices of personal expression that I don't understand, "but" really big false lashes are freaky and weird. It becomes uncomfortable to look at someone's face, and I'm not sure how many of them are actually going for that as a goal... I've definitely met some people that you could tell they thought they had gotten subtle enhancements that they could pass off as natural. Meanwhile: 🕷️🕷️🕷️ 👁️👄👁️ Really long fake nails are another thing that I struggle with accepting. The amount of microbial life that lives under those is horrifying on its own. Swabs of fake nails culture so much fecal bacteria. * shudder * But I also think that intentionally sacrificing your money, time, and manual dexterity (or vision in the case of lashes) for the sake of a beauty standard is honestly kind of absurd when there are so many things in the world that need more people to help.

[@zeideerskine3462]

@@Madamoizillion I do not judge others for their choices either. What I was referring to was my own ick factor when those are marketed to me. But then I feel the same way about fake nails or gel nails. The foreign body sensation would drive me batty and I would probably scrub my fingers raw every time I went to the bathroom.

[@subaru7233]

I'm with you, Dr G. I'm a retired RN who has seen her share of gross stuff and It doesn't matter if I can't see it without magnification, I KNOW IT'S THERE! Girls also look pretty silly with the lashes and fancy nails (also ick, ick, what's under those?) in cutoffs and a tshirt. Love you to bits.

[@pangeleta1967]

😂😂😂😂your expressions and sayings are HILARIOUSLY funny & educational! Thanx🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@bmoore-n-life]

Why does this guy feel like if ryan reynolds was an ophthalmologist

[@lequoiscontreonu]

Some people are addicted to cosmetic procedures, they cannot stand the look of their real face. They are often the ones that go for extreme looks. Perhaps they should see a therapist not a beautician.

[@Pomagranite167]

Beautician? Those girls need to go to church and find beauty in simplicity and find something new to worship aside from vanity. And I'm not even christian 😂

[@bellalerman9359]

Thank you for posting about this and raising awareness!

[@binahnguyen3006]

Thanks for you’re genuine concerns Doc.

[@erikaa.3030]

This Dr. Is coming for the caterpillars and I love it 😂😂😂😂 #helpwomenseeagain

[@emilyg68]

You would look great

[@ssance]

I’ll NEVER EVER forget the time me & my family were leaving Walmart and the receipt checker had these GINORMOUS lashes and she was taking a while to read the receipt and eventually apologized saying that it’s hard for her to see the letters. My mom said no problem and we waited in silence until she was finished and when we were passed the doors, nobody had said a word since that interaction until my mom turned and said in a sarcastic tone “I wonder why she couldn’t read the receipt” And we all had a good laugh, she said exactly what everyone was thinking

[@seanlong2642]

You play so many wonderful different characters all at once and switch seemlessly between them that i forget that beneath all that, there is a you thats just you. Its cool.

[@komikbookgeek]

1. I love that you recognize and admit they aren't made for you or to appeal to you. 2. My allergies get SO BAD a few times a year I have to hold hot cloths on my face to even start removing the gunk and even then it hurts and I lose lashes, and that's when I don't forget and rip them out trying to just open my eyes, I can IMAGINE how much these are uncomfortable. 3. Love your eyes y'all, being legally blind ain't great.

[@lillacSwing]

I’m scared too, dr!

[@Debbie338]

Thank you for the info. I was considering extensions and now I’m not. ❤

[@CandyGirl44]

I treat myself to eyelash extensions once or twice a year. But the classic, more natural looking ones. And it's a sad fact that my husband cannot stop raving about how fabulous my eyes look with them, and would prefer I keep them on permanently. I'm over 60, and they do make a massive difference in making one look younger, so until some magic potion is found to make eyelashes look longer and thicker (mascara doesn't cut it), I think it's a fashion fad that's going to be around for a long time. And one must use the special eyelash cleansers, and let your shampoo and water run over them in the shower.

[@joannabusinessaccount7293]

Brilliant!!!! I applaud Dr. G taking on Kim Kardashian’s scary eye lashes. There should be a new series out on this channel - what doctors are scared about. Salt Bro - Doritos Bone Bro - Football Kid Bro - the iPhone Medicine Bro - breast implants Jonathan - except him. He’s not scared of anything

[@anyas.1768]

There was a student at the school I work at that had eyelashes so big that she couldn’t see and people had to help her in the hallway.

[@realitycheck6]

The ending was my favorite part. "I'm kinda scared!"😂❤

[@SarahCoffeeTime]

LOL the end line 😅. That was awesome!

[@CattyT1]

Some are so huge I wonder how you can lift your upper eye lid … perhaps that’s the next way the human body will evolve…. Super strong upper eye lids….

[@7337blackwolf]

The lashes he’s talking about are extensions, not regular false lashes. Extensions are glued on professionally and stay on for several weeks, hence the gunk buildup. You also can’t wash your face normally. False lashes are glued on and taken off with your makeup, and most (not all) are single use. Then obviously there’s mascara which is just makeup put on your natural lashes. Falsies and mascara can cause issues if you don’t wash your face well, use a lot of glue/product, have sensitive skin, etc, just like Doc G said, but not nearly as bad as the extensions in the video. Those are crazy.

[@jessicaverdugo2522]

I love how you say "gunkkkk"! 😂

[@Chlo-ee]

Worked at a local hospital- the irony of one the admins in Ophthalmology checking into the acute clinic right after getting her lashes done.

[@jessicayoung8530]

A lady I work with has alopecia and has almost no lashes at all. She uses very thin strip lashes. I also have very thin lashes (not alopecia) and I use the strip lashes. We wash our face and replace our lashes regularly.

[@evilsharkey8954]

That’s very different from the gunky extensions

[@petuniasevan]

Fake eyelashes were a big thing in the 1960s and 1970s, but they were more or less "normal" in their density and distribution of fake lashes. My mother wore them without issue for a few years. Still weren't a great idea but the ones these days are ridiculous and do look like a vision hazard to me. I have enough eye problems and won't risk more damage.

[@fabrisseterbrugghe8567]

Yeah, my mom was a pale redhead and had a set made by her hairdresser from her own hair. She only wore them to parties and always cleaned them thoroughly after use.

[@I1like1wood1ash]

I've never really enjoyed long-term false eyelashes. I like wearing the stick-on type for an evening once in a while, usually for costume reasons, but I don't really like my peripheral vision being messed with for too long. Thanks for the info! I'll be staying away from them for sure now, and letting my friends know (especially if they have any eye problems, like irritation)

[@chayoluna1351]

I have been waiting for you take on this!

[@TheWeekendYogurt]

As an RN, the only service these fake lashes do is tell me which other staff RNs and CNAs to steer clear of. Seriously this is a hospital not a brothel leave the lot lizard lashes at home.

[@raikie]

My mother is an RN, and she completely agrees with you. She's approaching retirement age and tells me that back in the day heavy makeup, long nails, false eyelashes, etc. were absolutely not allowed.

[@d3pr0fundis]

Of all places to glue something to your eyes that would be extremely difficult to clean in an emergency….

[@curryking1]

i have never once found these attractive on any person ever honestly

[@dr.floridamanphd]

I was friends with a big old black guy who offloaded trucks at a discount department store. All the girls up front at the register had the gnarliest fake lashes. One day he hopped off the dock, picked up two shredded semi truck tires, and walked to the front of the store. He looked at them and said he found their fake lashes out back and then held them up to his face. He got fired over that and we had a good laugh about it later that evening over some beers. 😂

[@spikygreen]

That's because the ones that do look attractive, you just assume these are natural

[@curryking1]

@@spikygreenwe can tell bro at my age very few groups of people have natural eye lashes 😅 even the much smaller and less dense ones are a bit jarring but that's just me

[@Madamoizillion]

​@@spikygreen Most human beings communicate with eye contact, and we're very good at pattern recognition when it comes to faces. What I'm trying to say is, there's no such thing as natural-looking fake lashes. I would bet that at the distance most people would have a normal conversation, anyone could 100% tell if the other person is wearing fake lashes.

[@LP-ct9nk]

Most people can’t tell if someone is wearing natural fake lashes because most people are conditioned to think anything that’s not a certain level of extreme/subtle is real. Especially since mascara can achieve the look of natural falsies so you have people even more conditioned to the look as most people cannot tell when mascara is on either. A great example of this effect is looking at videos of “no makeup makeup” looks and seeing how much it takes products wise to achieve the look.

[@taylorsmith4128]

I didn’t know I needed to hear the phrase “sebaceous swamp.”

[@mayflyforyou]

They've always disturbed me, but when you said "sebaceous swamp," it really hit the nail on the head 😂

[@derekw948]

My wife is a cosmetologist and regularly applies eyelash extensions to her clients… so really her business is helping supply you with new patients 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@sirenwing]

LOL😂

[@nikolaa1625]

Doc, you’re supposed to clean those fake eyelashes everyday with a special cleansing foam. A good lash lady says that to the clients, but a lot of clients don’t use the cleanser because it also makes the fake lashes fall more (because you’re supposed to mechanically spread it all over the lashes with a brush so the product can get to all nooks and crannies), but that’s not really the fake eyelashes problem, it’s a client problem

[@b0thers0me]

Doctors only see the problem people. Fair enough, when these aren't cared for properly, the issues are serious. But the people who are responsible with them, know when not to wear them, well, this is the cautionary lesson.

[@666Tomato666]

just as with all makeup, you're supposed to take it all off before going to bed

[@knockeledup]

@@666Tomato666You don’t remove eyelash extensions at night, or else you just wasted a bunch of money. You might be thinking of the little strips of falsies you buy at the store and glue on. Those definitely get removed. Extensions are placed lash by lash by a professional and meant to last several weeks.

[@666Tomato666]

@@knockeledup touché, I forgot about the actual extensions, yeah, those obviously need to stay, just like with hair extensions; but just like with hair extensions, they do require special care

[@nivision]

in a way I get it. when you pay as much as these cost, you want to make them last as long as possible. and after long enough, your real lashes take so much damage you feel like you need them. regular hair extensions and nail extensions end up the same way too. but that's when it's time to move to strip lashes you take off every night with some gentle latex glue that dissolves easily and thoroughly in makeup remover, and use a good eyelash serum after, with castor oil if you can tolerate it well. you build up the real thing, get out of the cycle of spending your money on semiperm cosmetology services, and really take care of yourself.

[@narum.4247]

Those eyelashes look so funny, i just hope this trend (when not dying out) will continue on the under lashes so it looks more like the 60s twiggy makeup or even better like Gyaru. At the moment they look more as a moth family chills on the upper eyelid.

[@airnica3552]

Right on, thanks for telling the truth Doc!

[@Crymeariver227]

Haven’t found anything attractive about wearing a couple of woolly caterpillars on one’s eyelids. Not one person’s appearance has been enhanced by them, but man, the memes are awesome!!😂

[@fabrisseterbrugghe8567]

I had someone tell me she called the really long ones "Lamb Chops" after the puppet.

[@Crymeariver227]

I can see that!!😂

[@Call-me-Al]

Eyelash extensions can be done as however natural or unnatural as the client wants, and even the sparser natural looking stuff will case buildup issues.

[@itsgonnabeanaurfromme]

Well good thing not everyone depends on someone like you to find them attractive.

[@Crymeariver227]

@@itsgonnabeanaurfromme Doesn’t matter to me; my opinion and I’m entitled to it.

[@kjmav10135]

If you are an Broadway Star and need to be seen in the back row of a 5000 seat theater-even then these are too much. If you are an average person who needs to be seen on the Broadway-Seventh Avenue subway, you don’t have to bother with the Furry Lashes. We can see you just fine. (But can you see us . . . ? )

[@TheSouthIsHot]

Furry Lashes 🤣

[@cindyhesson9213]

I agree with you, Dr !!

[@kelliesaunders4905]

Hey! I’m not looking for free medical advice, I have an eye doctor… but… I want to tell you about how I developed blindness! I had a ruptured brain aneurysm! And lived! You just never hear this. I’ve had my vision restored in one eye and am getting my vision restored in the other eye next month via vitrectomy. I think congratulations are in order for all you doctors out there. Good job, Dr. McFarland!!! (Or as we call you in private convo Dr. Brad Pitt. SO handsome!)

[@Griever78]

No way, the snuffaluffagus eyelashes are still a thing? YIKES! One of those pictures brought me back to when I was a kid and I had went to bed after a long day in my friends pool and when I woke up, my eyes were solid shut. Couldn’t open them, they were caked in crud. Definitely freaked out!

[@raikie]

Snuffaluffagus! That's hilarious and absolutely on point.

[@northbeach8336]

A bit surprised you didn't mention applying glue a millimeter or so from the eyeball. I'd expect that to cause some ophthalmic visits.

[@cherylvanhorn7911]

It does. And lots of irritated eyes from either irritation from the chemicals in the glue or the impaired blinking.

[@gracefulannie-grcflannie-]

I once watched a video where the girl said she sometimes used nail glue to glue on her fake lashes. It was a true Bill Engvall moment for me: "Here's your sign."

[@daphneherver8713]

It was when I wore fake eyelashes that I realized my own non-curly eyelashes served a health purpose. Eyes were super irritated for as long as I wore them.

[@tsemayekekema2918]

He sounds more like one of his characters than someone giving serious advice

[@mbc86xl]

Camel lashes 🐪 🐫

[@PhoenixRoseYT]

I’ve been saying this! Especially with the lip injections!

[@dr.floridamanphd]

Nothing says “beauty trend” like super gluing a couple of woolly caterpillars to your eyelids

[@romanywalker8486]

Hospital in my area had a never event a few years back when a clump of them fell off a nurse during surgery. They landed *in* the patient. It was Very Not Good.

[@Maverick_Mad_Moiselle]

Can you recite the ophthalmologist' oath to protect the eyeballs with its many rods and cones?

[@yamatanoorochi3149]

one day we might not need airplanes anymore, we'd just have to flap our eyelids to get to where we want to go

[@meghasampat-lv1bl]

Exactly. I don’t use fake eyelashes no matter how boring I may look.

[@Call-me-Al]

These were eyelash extensions, important difference because fake eyelashes get removed daily, but eyelash extensions stay on for weeks.

[@angietopaz6099]

This guy is funny.I love the way he said it's getting scarier😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@lykamaikalacsa2638]

Thank you for validating my fear. I got them 2 weeks ago and I wash them daily which as the other pointed out cause them to have weaker hold. Just after 6 days they are gone from my eyes. If you really like to have lashes just buy single band or cluster lashes with white glue. You can remove and clean them daily and cost less.

[@miaa7968]

Are you washing with the right product? That's not normal unless you shed like crazy naturally. I had sets hold on for 6 weeks looking full with brushing and washing thoroughly twice a day. I wouldn't recommend letting a set stay for longer than 4 weeks (do as I say, not as I do HAHA) but to lose them all in less than a week speaks to either a very poor hand who did it, or the wrong product being used to cleanse. You're not getting your money's worth.

[@lykamaikalacsa2638]

@@miaa7968 I think the reason is that they were poorly made and also I am not using appropriate products. I get them on a cheap price though but my friend who got them the same time as I did had them for approximately 2 weeks.

[@markstevenson6635]

Eventually the eyelashes from above and the pumped up lips from below will totally obstruct the pupils😅

[@findyourcenterbbc8483]

If you want long thick eyelashes use black castor oil and put them on your eyelashes and eyebrows before u go to sleep amd some masacra and bamm they look as gorgeous. Soamy people think my eyelashes are fake since there thick and long.

[@gblb788]

This really does work and is solid advice.

[@PatchaXEtaw]

As a doctor I’m so happy when I see fellow colleagues talk about the consequences of beauty standards. I do know a lot of girls with fake lashes and have always wondered if someone has done such an educational video on the internet. They must know. I hope they listen.

[@DaMaLoJo]

Ironically the next video in my queue is Trixie Mattel talking about the 12 strips of eyelashes she has on each eye