Falling of eyelashes is considered cosmetic fringes. But eyelashes are more than just cosmetic components as they protect the eyes.
In a cycle of six to ten weeks, eyelashes grow, then fall and replace themselves. Falling of eyelashes up to one or five times a day is normal. But, have a major fall of eyelashes can be a symptom or the basic cause of health problems in the eye or in some other part of the body. This can also be known as Madarosis.
Common causes for falling of eyelashes
There are various causes as to why people can experience falling of eyelashes more than the average number.
Following are some of the common causes:
Irritation from cosmetics – Using heavy eye make-up or not removing eye make-up for too long can lead to falling of eyelashes. Using lash extensions or lash curlers can also be the cause for loss of hefty loss of eyelashes. Eyelash can also develop allergies from the overuse of mascara and lash glue.
Blepharitis – Redness or swelling of the eyelids accompanied by itchiness or burning can be an indication of blepharitis. This can happen when oil glands near the base of eyelashes get blocked which can cause chronic inflammation and problems in the eyelash follicles.
Trichotillomania – The condition in which the person starts pulling their own eyelashes due to stress or emotional distress is called Trichotillomania.
Skin cancer – Falling of eyelashes more than the average number can also be a symptom of skin cancer. Cancer can interject the growth of eyelashes, as more harmful cells spread.
Falling of eyelashes accompanied by other hair loss on the body
In case there is constant falling of eyelashes along with hair loss from the eyebrows and scalp, then this may be a sign of a systematic health problem or condition.
Common causes for falling of eyelashes and hair loss are:
Alopecia – This is an auto-immune disease in which the body attacks its own hair follicles which can cause full or partial hair loss on the body. Sudden and temporary hair loss which can be triggered by any surgery, chronic illness, flu, Anemia, fever, etc. can be a sign of acute alopecia.
Thyroid disorder – The gland that controls the body hormones is known as the thyroid gland. This gland is present in the neck of the body. Lash and other hair loss can be caused due to “hyperthyroidism (this is a condition of hormones overflow). Other than falling eyelashes and hair loss, thyroid disorder can also cause increased heart rate, changes in weight, and blood pressure.
Some less-common causes for falling of eyelashes and hair loss include:
- Chronic stress
- Nutritional deficiencies
- Hormonal changes which are introduced due to menopause
- Radiation therapy and chemotherapy
- Inflammatory diseases which are chronic such as “Rheumatoid Arthritis, Lupus, and Scleroderma”
- Consumption of various medication
When should someone see a doctor to report about the falling of eyelashes?
- Falling of eyelashes from both the eyelids
- There is also hair loss on eyebrow and scalp
- Major falling of eyelashes accompanied by skin changes such as itching, redness, scalping, etc.
- There is a vision loss
- There is a sense of pressure around the eyes
Hygiene requirement for good eyelashes
Daily wash your face and eyelids with gentle soap and water to keep your lashes healthy. There is no need to use lotion and moisturizers in eyelashes as glands in eyelids naturally lubricate the eyes. A balanced diet that includes “proteins, vegetables, fruits, and sufficient iron” will also help in the maintenance of long and full eyelashes.
Why are lash extensions and glue not safe for eyelashes?
The procedure of getting lash extensions comes with few risks such as “trauma or infection in the eyelid or cornea”. Infection can be developed due to unhygienic usage of the extension or glue. There are many ingredients in the glue that can cause an allergic reaction in the eye. Many of these ingredients include “Allergen Formaldehyde.” Which can cause pain, itching, redness, and swelling in the eye. There can also be a temporary vision loss.
In case, someone rubs or tries to pull the extension, then it can rupture the natural lashes and can even cause permanent damage to the eyelash follicle. Putting lash extensions can also lead to fibers getting stuck under the eye tissue which may require surgery for the removal.
Some safety tips for eye make-up
Follow the given steps to protect your eyes while using eye make-up:
- Try to use only those cosmetics which are designed to be used around the eyes. Make sure to avoid all those eye cosmetic products which are untested or have harsh chemicals.
- Use a particular eye make-up only for 3 months. Infection-causing bacteria can easily grow in creamy or liquid eye make-up.
- In case a person develops an eye infection such as “pink eye”, remove all the applied make-up and avoid using any on the eye until the infection is gone.
- Never share your eye make-up with anyone.
- Try to avoid using sample make-up in the store.
- Use only one new eye make-up at a time, especially those people who tend to have allergic reactions soon. Never buy new eye make-up until you are not fully sure that there is no reaction from the previous one.
- Always clean your face and eyelids before applying any make-up.
- To avoid any blockage in the oil gland, always apply make-up outside the lash line, away from the eye.
- In case the lashes are stamped together due to mascara or any other eye make-up, do not use anything sharp to separate the lashes. Using something sharp may poke in your eye and cause redness and infection.
- Before going to bed at night, remember to remove all your eye make-up. Not removing the make-up can cause irritation and itchiness in the eyes.
- If a person has had recent eye surgery, then they should avoid applying any make-up in the eye or even around it until their ophthalmologist permits it.
- While applying make-up with metallic elements, glitter, sparkle powder or any other such make-up product be careful, as flanks can fall into the eye and cause irritation. People who often wear eye lenses should avoid wearing glitter on the eyes as it can cause corneal irritation.
How to safely remove make-up from the eye?
- One of the most effective make-up removers is Vaseline. It helps to remove make-up without any pulling or harsh tugging along with providing a soothing and lubricating feel to the eyes.
- Baby shampoo is an ophthalmologist-recommended product to safely wash the eyelids and remove the make-up from around the eyes. Baby shampoo is a “tear-free” soap and is suggested to people who are prone to chalazion and blepharitis, for washing their eyes.
- Be careful while using eye make-up remover.
- In case you apply make-up remover, thoroughly clean your eyes after that.
- Run-in clean cotton wipe along the base of the eyelashes to remove all the make-up remnants.
- Be extra careful while using scrubs to remove the eye make-up. Cleaning the make-up through a scrub can scratch or cause irritation to the eye.
- While cleaning the make-up, be gentle and careful towards the eyelashes. They are important to protect the eyes from the entry of any dust or debris. Eyelashes also help to keep the eyes from drying out by blocking any air movements over the eyelids.
The best way to treat your eyes is to visit your eye care professional and get your eyes checked regularly. He will be able to assess the best method of treatment for your eye ailment. Visit our website Eyemantra. To book an appointment call at +91-8851044355. Or mail us at eyemantra1@gmail.com.
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