Lashes: Why They Drop Like Leaves!
It’s natural for things to fall in the Fall, like leaves and temperatures, and it’s also natural that eyelashes fall out all year long. However, our eyes require those delicate fringes for purposes beyond mere aesthetics. Eyelashes protect the eyes from debris that can obstruct vision or cause infection or injury.
Like hair, eyelashes grow, fall out and replace themselves every six to 10 weeks. On average, we lose between one and five lashes every day. Madarosis is a condition in which people may lose more lashes than average. There are many causes for this type of lash loss.
According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, eyelash loss that is not accompanied by hair loss in the scalp or eyebrows may signal:
• Irritation from cosmetics. Leaving eye makeup on for too long, application of lash extensions, removal of lash extensions, use of eyelash curlers, and removal of waterproof mascara can all harm lashes and speed up shedding. Eyelash loss can also stem from allergies to mascara and from glue used to apply eyelash extensions.
• Blepharitis. Are your eyelids itchy, burning, red or swollen? Do you experience crusting on your lashes in the morning? You may have a common condition known as blepharitis, a chronic inflammation caused by overpopulation of human bacteria on the lids and lashes or clogged oil glands near the base of the eyelashes. It may also result from overpopulation of microscopic mites known as Demodex, living inside eyelash follicles.
• Trichotillomania. Emotional or psychological distress can cause a person to pull out their own eyelashes habitually. (For more on stress and the eyes, refer to last month’s blog, https://atlanticeye.com/2024/10/stress-and-the-eyes-the-surprising-connection/).
• Skin cancer. More rarely, localized lash loss can be a symptom of skin cancer on the eyelid.
• Chronic or recurrent infections. Styes, chalazions, ocular rosacea or mite, bacterial or fungal infections in one or both eyes are a less common cause of lash loss.
To help keep your lashes healthy, wash your face and eyelids daily with gentle soap and water. Glands in the eyelid naturally lubricate lashes, so lotions and conditioners are not necessary unless lashes feel excessively dry. A healthy diet helps your eyelashes as well as your overall health.
Several products are marketed to promote lash growth, among them Latisse®, which is FDA-approved and shown to have consistent eyelash growth results. Since any medication can carry risks, speak to your Atlantic Eye physician to help you weigh the pros and cons of this product. Be sure to consult with your eye care provider before trying over-the-counter lash serums, as these can cause adverse reactions such as inflammation, redness on site of application and changes in eye pressure. As always, we are here to help with any of your eye-related concerns.