Dry Eye or Lash Allergy? How to Tell the Difference in Calgary’s Winter

Dry Eye or Lash Allergy? How to Tell the Difference in Calgary’s Winter

Winter in Calgary can be tough on more than just your skin. If your eyes feel irritated after lash extensions, it could be dry eye and not an allergy. Here’s how to tell the difference and protect your eyes all winter long.

What Is Dry Eye?

Dry eye is an ocular condition where your eyes don’t produce enough quality tears or where tears evaporate too quickly. This disrupts the tear film, which is essential for keeping the eyes comfortable, clear, and protected.

In Calgary, weather changes, such as cold outdoor air and dry indoor heat, can make dry eye syndrome more noticeable, especially in winter.

Common dry eye symptoms include: 

• Burning, stinging, or gritty sensations

• Redness or irritation that comes and goes

• Blurry vision that improves when you blink

• Sensitivity to wind or cold air

• Discomfort with contact lens wear

Dry eye disease is often linked to poor oil production from the meibomian glands, which help slow tear evaporation. When these glands aren’t functioning well, artificial tears or eye drops may offer temporary relief, but the underlying issue can persist.

What Is a Lash Allergy?

A true lash allergy is much less common than dry eye. When it does occur, it’s typically a reaction to an ingredient in lash adhesive or another product used near the eye.

Lash allergy symptoms can include:

• Swelling of the eyelids

• Persistent itching or redness

• Watery eyes that don’t improve with rest

• Sensitivity that worsens after each appointment

Unlike dry eye symptoms, allergic reactions usually appear quickly and don’t fluctuate day to day. If left unaddressed, they can worsen with repeated exposure.

How We Support Eye Health at Every Lash Appointment

At The Beauty Block, lash safety goes far beyond technique. We’ve partnered with optometrists Dr. Gurleen Dhanoa in Vancouver and Dr. Aysha Chaudhry in Calgary to help shape our eye‑health approach.

Together, we developed a routine designed to support ocular health, reduce irritation, and keep your eyes comfortable before, during, and after every service. When clients have ongoing or more complex dry eye concerns, we confidently refer them to these trusted eye care professionals.

At every appointment, we follow this routine to support eye comfort and reduce irritation:

• Preservative-free eye drops: Gentle hydration before or after your service to support tear film quality and improve comfort during extended eye closure. Especially helpful for clients who wear contact lenses or experience screen-related eye strain.

• Hypochlorous acid lash cleanse: A naturally antibacterial cleanse for the lash line, eyelids, and under-eye area. It supports eyelid hygiene, minimizes bacterial buildup, calms redness or itchiness, and supports healthy meibomian gland function.

• Saline rinse and gentle lash bath: If you have makeup or residue on your lash line, we will remove it with an optometrist-recommended cleanser. After we finish your lash set, we use a nano mister with saline to soothe the eye area, reduce lingering fumes, and promote post-treatment comfort.

If you’d like a deeper look at this approach, read Why We Trained With an Optometrist: Safer Lash Extensions in Calgary.

UV LED Lash Extensions for Sensitive Eyes

For many clients who struggle with traditional adhesives, UV LED lash extensions are a game-changer. The adhesive cures instantly and reduces exposure to fumes that can irritate the eyes.

UV LED lash extensions offer several benefits for clients with sensitive eyes or dry eye symptoms, especially during Calgary’s winter months:

• Faster curing

• Reduced sensitivity

• Improved retention

Learn more in our blog, Sensitive Eyes? Why You Should Try UV LED Lash Extensions.

Supporting Eye Comfort at Home During Calgary’s Winter

What you do between appointments plays a big role in how your eyes and lashes feel, especially in a dry winter climate. A simple, consistent routine can help minimize irritation and support overall eye comfort.

• Keep lashes clean to prevent bacterial buildup and support a healthy lash line

• Avoid rubbing your eyes, especially in dry, windy weather

• Use eye drops or artificial tears if advised by your eye care professional 

If irritation continues despite good at-home care, we recommend an eye exam. For clients with dry eye concerns, we often refer to Dr. Aysha Chaudhry at Eye on Evanston in Calgary.

Your Eyes Deserve the Best Lash Extensions in Calgary

At The Beauty Block, every lash service is thoughtfully designed to reduce irritation and support healthy eyes—especially during Calgary’s dry winter months.

If you're searching for the best lash extensions in Calgary, visit us at 1409 Edmonton Trail #102, Calgary, AB T2E 3K8. We’re minutes from downtown with convenient parking.

FAQs

How do I know if it’s dry eyes or allergies?

Dry eye symptoms tend to fluctuate and often worsen with environmental factors. Allergic reactions are more likely to cause noticeable swelling, redness, and itching that persist until the irritant is removed. If symptoms persist, an eye exam can help clarify.

Can dry eyes affect your eyelashes?

Poor tear film quality and inflammation can affect lash health over time, sometimes leading to dryness or shedding. Along with proper care, a high-quality lash serum may help support healthier-looking lashes.

What does an allergic reaction to eyelash extensions look like?

True allergic reactions often involve swollen eyelids, intense itching, and redness that appears shortly after application.

How to treat eye irritation from lash extensions?

Treatment depends on the cause. Dry eye irritation may improve with proper eye care and hydration. Allergic reactions require removing the irritant and consulting a professional.

Where can I get the best lash extensions near me?

If you’re in Calgary, The Beauty Block offers customized lash services with a strong focus on eye health, comfort, and safety.