Experts claim eyelash treatments are causing a surge in infections and emergency procedures, but you CAN minimise the risk

FAKE eyelashes can be a pain and at around £6 per pack, they're not cheap either, which is why so many of us opt for salon-based lash treatments instead.

From extensions, to tints and even perms, the list is endless - but according to experts, these types of procedures could be doing us some serious harm.

With Huda Beauty revealing that one in six women would rather give up chocolate or dating apps than part with their falsies, it seems us Brits are pretty serious when it comes to enhancing our lashes.

But one expert has warned it could be a problem.

Speaking to , Elizabeth Hawkes, Consultant Ophthalmic and Oculoplastic Surgeon at the  explained that there's been an increase in emergency eyelid issues and serious infections.

“With the rise of eyelash treatments also comes an increase in emergency eyelid problems and serious infections," she revealed.

"Blepharitis, a chronic inflammatory disorder of the eyelids, is a common problem associated with eyelash treatments due to bacterial overgrowth on the eyelashes.”

Hawkes went on to remind beauty fans that eyelashes are there to safeguard your eyes from dust and chemicals - meaning they're pretty vital for our sight.

Terrifyingly, Hawkes also explained that a build-up of bacteria and debris on the eyelids can cause "irreversible eyelash loss".

To minimise the risk, Hawkes advises using a cotton pad to gently remove eye make-up - pressed over a closed eye so the product can "soak into" the lashes - as well as ensuring contact lenses are taken out before removing make-up.

The eye expert also warned beauty fans not to rub their eyes repetitively as this can affect the cornea and potentially damage the eye structurally.

Earlier this year, we told you how a bride-to-be was left distraught after a clump of her eyelashes were ripped out during a freak accident just months before her wedding.

The mum had been collecting clothes from her laundry basket when the lid caught the corner of her eye.

Admitting she was in “quite a bit of pain” Rebekkah covered her eye, and when she removed it found a “clump” of her eyelashes.

In other beauty news, we told you Lookfantastic has launched a limited edition Rodial Beauty Box to help you keep your summer glow.

We also revealed shoppers say ‘miracle’ eyebrow growth serum saved their over-plucked brows – and it’s a best-seller on Amazon.

And we showed you how a shopper claims her ear started pouring blood after wearing £1.50 Nasty Gal hoops once.