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?

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

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

We're all scared, doc.

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

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.

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.

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...

A lot of us women hate them too, doc.

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

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

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! 👏🙌👍

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

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

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

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.

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!

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.

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

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

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.

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

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 🤦‍♀️

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.

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

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.

This is the PSA we need.

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

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? 😂😂😂😂😂

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

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 😊

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

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.

Just seeing this make my eyes itch

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!

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

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

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.

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.

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

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”

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

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

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

I feel so validated right now

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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 😖

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

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)

You would look great

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

I’m scared too, dr!

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

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.

Thanks for you’re genuine concerns Doc.

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!)

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….

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.

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.

Thank you for posting about this and raising awareness!

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.

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.

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.

I love how you say "gunkkkk"! 😂

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

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 . . . ? )

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.

This video is so relatable!! I HATE them with a PASSION!! 😮‍💨 Everyone thinks that I’m crazy because of how much I despise them.

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!!😂

I love you for addressing this!!! Is anyone else talking about this fad?? I think they look so fake and so many girls and women have fallen for this trend thinking it makes them more beautiful. It looks like a caterpillar on the eyelids. Ladies, eyeliner, some mascara and truly you are already beautiful!😂

Right on, thanks for telling the truth Doc!

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

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

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!

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

As a nurse I agree with this message.

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

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

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

I told some! They dint listen. 😂 it's nice for special occasions--- daily, idk..

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.

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.

"... and their MANY rods and cones...." why did this make me laugh so damn much

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

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

See, when your parent is an ophtalmologist you hear these stories growing up and end up proudly not using eye makup.

I have been waiting for you take on this!

You have some very valid points. Does this gunk buildup vary with different types of eyelashes? Or thier application (threaded, magnetic, glue?)