Sir, following on from M. Watts' letter, I report a similar experience.1A 26-year-old female was referred to our specialist oral surgery practice for removal of a grossly carious 17. A half-orthopantomogram (OPT) of the right side showed gross caries of 17, 18 and 47 and five regular radiopacities within the right eye socket (Fig. 1). The patient had no history of facial, eye or brain surgery nor injury and was not wearing hair clips or clip-in hair extensions. Provisional diagnosis was artefact or previous forgotten surgery.

Fig. 1
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An OPT of the right side showed gross caries of 17, 18 and 47, and five regular radiopacities within the right eye socket

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A full OPT was taken post-operatively and bilateral radiopacities were identified within the right and left eye sockets, also revealing caries in 37 and 38 (Fig. 2). The patient was wearing short, false eyelashes which, upon requested removal, revealed five metal pieces in each lash. These magnetic eyelashes work by painting an iron oxide liner on the upper eyelid lash line, to which small magnets at the base of false eyelashes adhere. They have been on the market since 2018 and some manufacturers warn not to wear them when having an MRI. The patient had attached her lashes with regular eyelash glue, she was unaware they were magnetic, which added to the dilemma.

Fig. 2
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Full OPT taken post-operatively

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This is an interesting case which practitioners may come across on radiographs, especially as beauty products become ever more advanced.