Eyelashes

Eyelashes are hairs that help to block debris from entering your eye.

Eyelashes are hairs that help to block debris from entering your eye. They grow on the edge of the upper and lower eyelids. Both eyelids are lined with a row of eyelashes.

The lashes on the upper eyelid tend to be slightly longer than those on the lower lid. Growing up to around ten millimetres in length, the upper eyelashes usually curve upwards, while the lower eyelashes generally grow straighter.

The colour of eyelashes is often different to that of the head’s hair. However, they do tend to be darker for someone with dark hair, and lighter for someone with light hair.

How Do Eyelashes Block Debris?

To aid in blocking debris, eyelashes are sensitive to touch. When something touches the lashes, the eyelids will instinctively shut. In this way, they act as an early warning mechanism that allows the eyelids to quickly shut, before external debris can enter the eye and cause damage.

If an eyelash is ever removed, it can take over two months to regenerate. The eyelash follicles are associated with sweat glands, which can cause styes when blocked or infected.