What started as a routine beauty treatment turned into a terrifying ordeal for 31-year-old Refilwe Motiang from Midrand, Gauteng. Hoping to enhance her appearance with eyelash extensions, Refilwe instead found herself in the emergency room, nearly losing her eyesight due to a suspected chemical injury caused by lash glue.
The incident took place when Refilwe visited a local beauty salon for what she believed would be a quick and harmless procedure. However, only minutes after the lash application began, she experienced an intense burning sensation in her eyes. Concerned, she immediately alerted the lash technician.
“I told her my eyes were burning and I couldn’t see anything,” Refilwe recalled. “She just said it was normal and the glue was strong.”
But things quickly spiraled out of control. Refilwe’s eyes began to water uncontrollably, her body trembled, and she found herself unable to keep her eyes open due to the pain. Realising something was seriously wrong, she sought urgent medical attention.
**Hospitalisation and Damage to Her Eyes**
Refilwe was rushed to a nearby hospital, where doctors determined that the adhesive used during the lash procedure had severely damaged her cornea—the transparent layer covering the front of the eye. The medical team had to cover her eyes with patches and keep her in a completely dark room to prevent further damage and allow healing.
“I thought I was going blind,” said Refilwe. “It was the most frightening experience of my life.”
The road to recovery has been slow and emotionally taxing. Even weeks later, her vision is still healing, and she remains shaken by the experience.
**Considering Legal Action**
Refilwe is now considering taking legal action against the salon, citing negligence and lack of proper safety precautions. She believes the salon failed to ensure that the products used were safe and that the staff were properly trained.
“No one should suffer this much just for lashes,” she said. “They were careless, and I could have lost my sight because of it.”
**Warning to the Public**
Her ordeal has sparked concern across social media, with many users urging the public—especially women—to be cautious when undergoing beauty treatments.
Experts warn that some eyelash adhesives contain strong chemicals like cyanoacrylate, which can cause severe allergic reactions or chemical burns if used improperly or too close to the eyes.
Refilwe is now urging others to:
* Ask about the products being used.
* Insist on a patch test before the procedure.
* Stop the process immediately if there’s a burning sensation.
* Trust their instincts if something feels off.
“Beauty should never cost you your health or sight,” she emphasized.
Refilwe’s story is a sobering reminder of the dangers lurking behind seemingly routine beauty treatments. As she continues to heal, she hopes her experience will raise awareness and prevent similar tragedies from happening to others.
