An eyelash is a hair that grows on the tip of your eyelid. Lashes prevent dust and dirt from reaching the eye. Lashes also let you know when an object is getting too close to your vision. Knowing about your lashes and their growth habits can give you the knowledge you need to decide if a lash-growth treatment is right for you.
Influences on the Growth of Eyelashes
Eyelashes typically take three months to reach their full length. This means that if an eyelash falls out, it generally takes about three months to reach its maximum length. Genetics is the main factor in the length of your eyelashes. However, eyelash growth depends on multiple factors such as diet, age and circumstance. For instance, poor nutrition might inhibit the growth of your eyelashes. In addition, your eyelashes grow slower as you get older. Finally, certain circumstances can affect lash growth. For example, if your lashes have fallen out or been damaged because of a burn, they might grow back more slowly or not at all.
Natural Lash Inhibitors
Multiple factors can inhibit lash growth, including trichotillomania, a disorder that causes victims to pull out their own eyelashes and hair, according to the Natural Holistic Health website. In addition, lashes can fall out because of blepharitis, an irritation or inflammation where the eyelash meets the eyelid characterized by redness, itchiness, flakiness and lash loss. Blepharitis also might be due to an abundance of demodicids, or tiny mites that live in the pores and follicles of hair and eyelashes. These mites are present in 98 percent of people and are generally harmless. However, if you have oily skin or don't wash off makeup thoroughly, a buildup of demodicids can cause blepharitis.
Products for Lash Growth
Products for lash growth range from quick, over-the-counter solutions to prescription treatments. Eyelash extensions are a salon treatment. These extensions adhere to the lid with glue or tape; they are disposable. You also can buy mascara that elongates the lash temporarily. For more permanent solutions, you can try prescription serum products such as Latisse, which you apply to the lid to stimulate lash growth. Serums such as Latisse are generally expensive and can produce redness, itchiness and dryness of the eyes. In addition, they can cause serious and permanent side effects. For instance, Latisse can cause darkening of the iris and skin on the eyelid, a decrease in visual acuteness, and other eye problems such as conjunctivitis, according to the Latisse website.
Surgical Option
If you have lost all or most of your lashes, surgery might be an option. Called eyelash hair restoration surgery, this procedure involves transplanting donor eyelash hairs into your natural eyelash area. After surgery, you might need to use eyelash curlers and other products to make the newly transplanted hairs look natural. In addition, you might experience itching that can cause infection and movement of the transplants.
Considerations
Products such as Latisse can have multiple side effects, which can range from mild to severe, including redness, itchiness and dryness of the eye and loss of visual acuteness, according to Latisse. They also can worsen or cause the development of eye issues such as conjunctivitis. In addition, not all users of these products have sufficient or visible results. You should consult your physician to see if these products are right for you. In addition, the glue used in eyelash extensions can cause discomfort and irritation, and removal of the temporary lashes can cause the removal of natural lashes, leaving patches of baldness on the lid, according to the Love to Know website.
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