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Why Are Eyebrows and Eyelashes Important?
Posted by: Mitchell Refractive Surgery & Eye Center
Isn’t it interesting that a study completed by MIT stated that it would be hard to recognize you if you did not have your eyebrows!?
Our eyebrows and eyelashes frame our faces, but they don’t just exist for our beauty. They also serve as protection, help us express emotion, and are our eye’s first line of defense.
According to the Academy of Ophthalmology, there is a functional reason why we have hair above and around our eyes. Here is some information about our eye accessories you probably didn’t know.
Expressive But Functional Eyebrows
The perfectly curved, delicate hairs above our eyes help channel unwanted moisture away from the eye, particularly sweat and rain, to help keep vision clear. The shape and direction of the eyebrow make it easier for moisture to wick away from around the eyes. The eyebrows also help block light and filter dust and dirt that may fall into the eyes. Experts believe that eyebrows play an essential role in human communication exaggerating expressions such as surprise, happiness, and anger.
Flirty But Protective Eyelashes
Eyelashes are a group of the shortest hairs on the body that grow around the edge of the eyelid. Thanks to our eyelashes, they operate as dust catchers, protecting the eye from debris that can obstruct vision or cause infection or injury. Eyelashes are sensitive, very similar to a cat’s whiskers. Our eyelashes are sensors for objects coming close to the eye, like insects, and trigger a reflex and protective blink.
Researchers completed a study in the Journal of the Royal Society Interface and found that eyelashes act as air filters for the eye. The study found that lashes reduce tear evaporation by up to 50 percent, helping keep eyes sufficiently lubricated.
You Are Naturally Beautiful!
Be careful using cosmetic enhancements to your eyelashes and eyebrows. If you don’t overdo it with plucking and makeup, your eyebrows and eyelashes don’t need much to stay healthy. An essential tip to remember is to introduce only one new eye makeup or eye care product at a time, especially if you easily have allergic reactions. Don’t add another new product until you know you’re not reacting to the first one. There might be eye inflammation in certain situations, and if you experience anything like this, see us!
References: American Academy of Ophthalmology, American Optometric Association, and the Journal of the Royal Society. This blog provides information and discussion about eye health and related subjects. The content provided within this blog and any linked materials are not intended and should not be considered medical advice. If the reader or any person has a medical concern, they should consult with an appropriately licensed physician.
