Have you ever wondered why humans have evolved to still have eyebrows and eyelashes? Aside from being expressive, our eyebrows and eyelashes serve an essential purpose of naturally defending our eyes from airborne debris and other hazards that could damage our sight.
Why do we have eyebrows?
Eyebrows might be positioned far away from the delicate eye tissue, but they still play a critical role in protecting your eyes from damage.
Next time you feel sweat running down your forehead, notice that your eyebrows direct the droplets away from your eye sockets, sending them down the side of your face. It does the same thing with rain drops and steam from a hot shower, keeping irritants out of your sight.
Given this role, think twice before you decide to shape your eyebrows for cosmetic reasons. The currently on-trend bold and bushy brow is hopefully here to stay because it’s far more healthy for your eyes than a thin, over-plucked brow that will struggle to push liquids away.
Why do we have eyelashes?
While they may enhance your appearance, the primary function of your eyelashes is to protect your delicate eyes from the outside world. Think of them as a complex system designed to keep debris, dust, and other airborne particles from reaching the sensitive surface of your eye.
The curved shape and strategic placement of your eyelashes work together to deflect these threats in a few key ways:
- Deflecting Airflow: Your eyelashes are positioned to subtly redirect airflow away from the cornea. This reduces the amount of dust and tiny particles that can land on your eye, much like the eaves of a roof keep rain off a window.
- Catching Debris: The hairs themselves act as a physical barrier. As airborne particles move toward your eye, they get caught in the network of lashes, preventing them from making direct contact.
- Sealing the Eye: When you close your eyes, your upper and lower lashes interlock, creating a protective seal. This barrier prevents debris from resting on your eyelids and falling into your eyes when you blink or open them.
Is it safe to change your brows and eyelashes?
It’s not uncommon to change the shape of your eyebrows through waxing and plucking. You can even thicken your eyebrows by weaving in extensions and lengthen your eyelashes in a similar manner, but do those things affect eye health?
Generally speaking, changing up your brows and lashes won’t get in the way of their functions, unless the procedures you do end up thinning them out. For instance, repeatedly getting lash extensions and not properly caring for them can cause you to lose eyelashes, which can dampen their efficacy.
Lash perms and extensions can also be dangerous because of the chemicals they contain. If you’re wondering how to protect your eyes, ask your eye doctor for more information.
