Dangerous beauty treatment: A 22-year-old young woman's eyesight was saved thanks to quick diagnosis and treatment at the Emek Medical Center in Afula after she underwent a popular beauty treatment that caused severe burns in both her eyes. The story of 22-year-old Afek from Afula began after she underwent eyelash lifting treatment that included the use of chemical substances.
The treatment method caused severe burns in both of the young woman's eyes and even a danger to her vision: “A few hours after the treatment I felt that I was crying but I did not attach too much importance to it and I went to sleep,” Afek said. “When I woke up in the morning, I could no longer open my eyes due to the swelling and redness, and I immediately decided to go to the emergency room.” Afek said.
Dr. Daniel Briscoe, director of the ophthalmology department at the Emek Medical Center: “Afek came to us with severe chemical burns as a reaction to contact with chemical substances with which she was treated. Her eyes were almost closed due to swelling, redness and irritation, and the burn was also spread to the area of the eyelids.”
Dr. Briscoe, who treated Bafek, said: “During the eye examinations we conducted for her, we saw changes in the cornea and increased turbidity, which led to a decrease in vision. We hospitalized her for intensive treatment that included irrigation and antibiotic treatment, and to my delight we were able to prevent the permanent damage that was almost caused to her vision.”
Dr. Briscoe warned and said: “The public must avoid beauty treatments that include contact with the eyes and the mixing of substances whose nature and origin we do not know and whether they are approved for use in and around the eyes without medical supervision.”
Dr. Briscoe concluded: “Efek's case ended well thanks to her vigilance and thanks to the treatment she received. It is important to raise awareness and warn against potential vulnerabilities and dangers associated with popular beauty treatments that are performed lightly. It is important that you ask questions and check whether the ingredients are safe to use and what the possible side effects are. The dangers may be serious and irreversible.”
Afek wanted to thank the medical staff at the Emek Medical Center and said after her discharge from the hospital: “I want to thank the staff of the ophthalmology department, the doctors and nurses who treated me with dedication, professionalism and kindness from the first moment until discharge. I received excellent service and amazing treatment, I felt important and precious. Thank you.”
