We feel very strongly that one of the best ways to help our patients is to arm you with knowledge. Today we are focusing on Eyebrow and Eyelash Enhancement. If we make sure to inform you of all things related to your eye health, it helps you to be more aware and take control.

What are the treatments?

One trend that has popped up over the last few years is eyebrow and eyelash enhancement. This could be wanting to make your eyebrows darker by dying them or getting a treatment at a salon to make your eyelashes longer. A few common enhancements include:

• Tinting – when a semi-permanent dye is applied to your eyebrows to make them look darker
  and fuller
• Microblading – This is when a permanent pigment is tattooed on the skin under your eyebrows to
  make them appear darker and fuller.
• Lamination – this is when a cream is applied to your eyebrows, once sculpted into the desired
  shape, it can last for several weeks.
• Eyelash Perm – this is when your eyelashes are coated with an adhesive and then curled with a
  roller.
• Eyelash Lift – this involved combing the eyelashes while using an adhesive and chemical lotion, this procedure is meant to make your eyelashes grow upward instead of outward.

As the beauty standard changes with society, people have adapted and tried to find new ways to make themselves look better. While the above enhancements have become popular, we want to point out why you may want to think a little harder before getting them.

What are the Risks?

It is important to note, that cosmetic companies are not required to share their safety data or consumer complaints. This means that there is no official record of the effects some of these products can have on your health.

The permanent tints and dyes they use have caused serious eye injuries. Since the FDA cannot regulate salons, it falls to the local governments to regulate them. Not all states have the same regulations or any regulations when it pertains to these types of treatments.

If Eyebrow and Eyelash Enhancement is something you are interested in doing, do some extra research into the salon you are going to and the types of dyes they use. If you can go with something less permanent it could save you some issues down the road.

As always, if any issues arise with your eyes, make an appointment with us at TriCounty Eye Associates. If we can catch an issue early, you may avoid long-term effects.

Diplopia

Diplopia or Double Vision is exactly like it sounds! It is when you see two images of the same thing. It is possible to have this issue in just one eye or both at the same time. If you only have it happening in one eye, the exact term for it is Monocular Diplopia.

Monocular Diplopia can be caused by issues with your cornea or your eye lens. The cornea could have been damaged by something and may be uneven. The lens of your eye helps to focus light into your retina, if this is damaged it could be a sign of cataracts and can be fixed with surgery.

Double vision in both eyes, Binocular Diplopia could be caused by your muscles or your nerves.

There are a couple of underlying factors that can affect your eye muscles, but if one eye is a bit weaker than the other, when you try to look in the direction controlled by that eye it won’t move in unison with the other and will cause double vision.

The nerves in your eye are what sends information to your brain. Some underlying issues with your nerves could include:

• Diabetes
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Stroke
• Aneurysm
• Trauma to the head

Symptoms

While the most obvious symptom is seeing double…knowing how to recognize the other possible symptoms is important. Some common symptoms of diplopia are:

• Pain when moving your eye
• Eye’s not lining up
• Headache
• Nausea
• Droopy eyelids
• Pain around your eyes

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, they could be connected to any number of underlying conditions, so it is best to make an eye appointment as soon as possible.

Your doctor will possibly need to run blood tests, perform a physical exam, or maybe even an imaging test. Once you have seen a doctor, they will be able to identify the cause and come up with the best treatment method for you.

Prevention

In some cases, this issue would not be preventable. In a circumstance where it is preventable, there are some things you can do to protect your eyes for the future. If you don’t have a serious underlying condition some things you can:

• Always wear your seatbelt in the car
• Use protective goggles while playing sports
• If you have diabetes, keep your blood sugar under control

The good news is, 70% of diplopia cases get better with medication or surgery. Once your doctor can find the root cause, they will help you come up with treatment options that work for you.

If you are experiencing Diplopia, be sure to call us at TriCounty Eye Associates to make an appointment. We are invested in your eye health and want to be there with you every step of the way!