Lillie Barrett, a 22-year-old woman from Welling in south east London, experienced an eye infection after getting Russian lashes fitted while still wearing her contact lenses. Her left eye started to itch, and she initially thought it was pink eye, using drops from a chemist to treat it. However, her condition worsened, and yellow gunk built up on her cornea, leading to swelling and loss of vision. She was later diagnosed with a corneal ulcer at St Helier Hospital in Sutton, south London. Lillie believes the infection was caused by bacteria coming into contact with her contact lens after getting her lashes done.
Although the specific cause of the infection was not confirmed by the eye specialist, Lillie attributes it to her contact lens use. She shared her experience as a warning to others who wear contact lenses and get their lashes done, advising them to be cautious. Lillie urges contact lens users to consider switching to daily disposable lenses, which she claims carry less risk of infection. After experiencing vision loss in her left eye for several months, she sought medical treatment, including surgery, to help restore her vision. While her vision has begun to return gradually, Lillie still struggles with limited sight in her left eye, almost a year and a half after the infection.
Lillie’s eye remained discolored for several months after the infection, affecting her confidence and daily life. She faced challenges in social situations and limited activities due to her impaired vision. Despite using daily contacts now, Lillie still experiences complications in her affected eye. Initially hesitant about surgery due to the associated risks, she has considered the option after hearing success stories from others who underwent similar procedures. Lillie’s story serves as a reminder of the importance of proper eye care, especially for individuals who wear contact lenses and engage in beauty treatments like lash extensions.
The NHS defines a corneal ulcer as an open sore in the outer layer of the cornea that can result from surface damage, making contact lens wearers more susceptible to such infections. Lillie emphasizes the need for early medical intervention and caution when wearing contacts, encouraging prompt hospital visits in case of unusual symptoms. She advocates for preventive measures, such as switching to daily disposable lenses, to reduce the likelihood of eye infections. By sharing her experience and recovery journey, Lillie aims to raise awareness about eye health and safety among contact lens users, emphasizing the importance of proactive eye care to avoid severe complications like corneal ulcers.
