Why do eyes turn red?
- Laura A.

- Oct 26, 2025
- 3 min read
There are two main reasons why you may experience eye discomfort during eyelash extension application:
Eye irritation
Eyelash glue allergy
Distinguishing between eye irritation and an allergy can be a bit tricky, as the symptoms are often very similar: red, swollen eyes, itching, tearing, and a burning sensation in the eyes.
The difference between the two is that eye irritation should go away within 24 hours and may not recur the next time you have your eyelash extensions applied. However, an allergy can last longer and will usually recur permanently.
What causes eye irritation when applying eyelash extensions?
Eye irritation can occur, for example: – If the steam released when the eyelash glue dries gets under the eyelids. – If one eyelash extension is placed on several natural eyelashes at the same time. – If the eyelash extensions are placed directly on the eyelid. ‼️This is unacceptable! – If too much eyelash glue has been used. – Eye pads or tape have not been installed properly. – The tools or the eyelash technician's hands are not clean and transmit inflammatory bacteria. ‼️Hygiene goes without saying! – OR an allergy to eyelash glue has developed. In 90% of cases, this is due to cyanoacrylate, one of the ingredients in eyelash glue.
How to recognize eye irritation?
If it's an adhesive-related irritation, your eyes will be swollen and watery. However, if a physical irritant, such as eye pads, is the culprit, you'll see redness under your eyes and there may be a bruise in your eye.
If you have already gone home and are only then reporting the problem, you should take a few photos of your eyes so that the eyelash technician can look at them and get a better understanding of the matter, and then be able to move forward with the problem and find a mitigating solution.
Allergy to eyelash glue
Unlike eye irritation, an allergic reaction can occur hours or even days after exposure to an allergen, which can make it difficult to treat.
An allergy is a reaction of the human body's immune system to an allergen, which under normal circumstances is generally a harmless substance.
The human body produces antibodies to fight these allergens. The more the body is exposed to the allergen, the stronger the body fights it. This can lead to an even more severe allergic reaction.
For an allergy to develop, a person must be repeatedly exposed to the allergen. Therefore, clients who have never had an allergic reaction to cyanoacrylate (a component of eyelash extension glue) before and then do at some point do, unfortunately, have to permanently abandon the installation of eyelash extensions. The solution is Lash Lift .
There are not many people who are allergic to eyelash glue, and this allergy is not critically dangerous. Unfortunately, the symptoms of this allergy are extremely uncomfortable, often unbearable. Usually, the symptoms disappear soon after the eyelash extensions are removed. The allergy can recur if a person tries to install extensions again, even after a break of several months.
How to reduce eyelash glue allergy?
If you experience an allergic reaction, the first thing you should do after informing your eyelash technician is to contact an ophthalmologist.
If severe symptoms persist for more than 24 hours, medical attention should be sought immediately. An eyelash technician can only help with very mild reactions, where prompt removal of the eyelash extensions will minimize the allergic reaction.
For mild symptoms, try:
Apply a cold compress. cold compress for the eyes to reduce discomfort.
Cortisone cream - if If there is mild irritation, redness, or pain, apply a small amount of cortisone cream to relieve symptoms. This cream is available over the counter and is helpful for mild allergic reactions.
Removing eyelash extensions I recommend! At least until a definite cause is found.
I am open to questions when you come to me for procedures or write
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