Refilwe Motiang, a 31-year-old resident of Midrand, South Africa, is presently healing after a wrong lash glue was reportedly used during a beauty procedure that nearly cost her vision.
What began as a standard visit to a salon for eyelash extensions transitioned into a health crisis, necessitating hospitalization due to cornea damage.
The troubling incident took place last Thursday when Motiang sought eyelash applications at a neighborhood salon before a planned journey to North West. While having her eyelashes done, she experienced an overwhelming and atypical burning feeling in her eyes.
“My eyes were on fire,” she recalled. “I started feeling chilly and shivering, then I requested to step outside. The next thing I knew, I was having trouble opening my eyes. They were watering, and I struggled to lift my eyelids. That’s when I understood something was seriously wrong.”
Despite her distress, Motiang states that the technician reassured her the discomfort was typical, attributing it to the adhesive’s potency of the lash glue. However, the condition rapidly deteriorated. She was quickly transported to a Netcare hospital, where physicians confirmed corneal injury.
“I was really frightened. I couldn’t perceive, I could only hear voices around me,” Motiang expressed. “I kept pondering, what does this signify? Does it mean they’re going to remove my eyes? I was anxious, but I tried to conceal it.”
Upon her arrival at the hospital, Motiang spent several days with her eyes covered and remained secluded in a dim room to avoid light exposure. She characterized the experience as not only physically agonizing but also emotionally and mentally exhausting.
“I felt isolated and disheartened, contemplating, all this just for the sake of looking attractive?” she said. “Even mentally, I wasn’t alright — but I maintained hope that I would recover.”
Now on the mend and slowly regaining her sight, Motiang expresses profound regret over her choice and is contemplating legal action against the salon. She also voiced concerns regarding the emotional strain on her family and the financial pressure stemming from her hospital treatment.
“My children were anxious. I regret it because of how it impacted my family. The hospital expenses were also quite high.”
Professionals in the sector assert that Motiang’s ordeal serves as a warning. Paballo Mbabama, an eyelash technician at Blackdime Beauty Bar, cautioned that utilizing inappropriate glue, inadequate ventilation, and improper application methods can inflict serious damage.
“If the odor of the glue is excessively strong, then it is unsuitable for sensitive eyes,” Mbabama explained. “If the burning sensation is overwhelming, it’s not typical. The glue shouldn’t cause burning to the extent that you have extremely red eyes or are unable to blink properly.”
Motiang is still undergoing medical assessments as her recovery continues.