Eyelash curling

The so-called eyelash curling, medically called trichiasis, is a pathological rubbing of the eyelashes on the surface of the cornea or conjunctiva. This disease is not congenital, like distichiasis, but acquired. A possible cause lies in a misdirected growth of the hairs in the direction of the eyeball.

Another is caused by the inward rotation of the eyelid, the so-called entropion. Malformations of the eye usually play a major role here. Eyelash curling can affect individual lashes, but also entire rows of lashes.

Affected persons often complain about a foreign body feeling in the eye. In addition, an inflammation of the eye with redness, itching and stinging can occur. If the cornea of the eye is permanently irritated by the eyelashes, ulcers and scars of the cornea can develop. In the worst case, the chafing of the eyelashes is accompanied by a loss of visual acuity.

Eyelashes fall out

Eyelashes fall out, like other body hairs, after the end of their lifetime of about 100-150 days. However, if this lifespan is shortened drastically or if not enough lashes grow back, the lashes may fall out. This can have different causes.

An unnaturally strong eyelash loss is called madarosis (pathological eyelash loss). Madarosis can have different causes, e.g. chronic inflammation of the eyelid margin (chronic blepharitis). The eyelid is often swollen and reddened, and the eyelashes can stick together.

Certain drugs also cause a loss of eyelashes. These include various chemotherapies. Under radiation for cancer treatment the eyelashes can be damaged.

Drugs used to treat glaucoma can also lead to madarosis. This happens particularly frequently with so-called prostagalandin antagonists.The reason for poorly growing eyelashes is often an insufficient supply of various vitamins or nutrients as well as stress. If the body is undersupplied, it usually tries to bundle its remaining resources for vital organs.

There are then not enough resources available for the production of eyelashes. A balanced diet can help here. A very common reason for the loss of eyelashes can also be excessive make-up.

The fine lashes are very sensitive and are easily attacked by various care products. Also the pull on the lashes, which is often used during make-up, can lead to a weakening of the lashes. But also allergic reactions, e.g. to make-up, can cause eyelash loss and have similar symptoms to blepharitis.

In this case, contact lenses and make-up should be left out for a few days. If the symptoms are strong or persistent, it is recommended to consult a doctor. In addition, hormonal disturbances can be responsible for eyelash loss, e.g. if hormones of the adrenal cortex, thyroid gland, or the sexual organs are affected.

Here the exact cause should be clarified and treated by a doctor. Circular hair loss can also occur on the eyelashes. A loss of eyelashes should be examined by a doctor because of the many causes. This is especially true if it happens suddenly and quickly. In very severe, stressful cases, a decision can be made here with the doctor about a cortisone therapy.