Function of the lashes

The main function of eyelashes is to protect our eyes. Due to their dense arrangement on the upper and lower eyelid, they prevent sweat, dirt particles and foreign bodies from penetrating our sensitive eyes. In addition, the lashes provide a certain degree of protection against intensive light and sunlight, which in high doses can damage the eye.

In our modern times, eyelashes are attributed an increasing aesthetic importance, especially for women. They are usually cosmetically treated with mascara (mascara or mascara spiral) to make them look longer and fuller. This is probably due to the fact that voluminous and strong eyelashes have been a selection advantage in evolutionary history: Long, thick lashes were considered a beauty feature in primeval times, as they were considered a characteristic of a healthy and strong body.

Ingrown eyelashes

In the case of ingrown eyelashes, medically also called distichiasis, additional lashes grow from the glandular openings of the lid margin towards the eye. They optically resemble a second row of eyelashes. It is a congenital disease that occurs in humans or other mammals, such as dogs or horses, and can affect one or both eyes as well as the upper or lower eyelid.

Due to the growth of the eyelashes in the direction of the eyeball, an unfavorable growth direction can lead to an unpleasant permanent irritation up to the inflammation of the cornea or conjunctiva of the eye. In addition, this can lead to an increased lacrimation and ulceration of the cornea. The diagnosis is made by the ophthalmologist on the basis of the clinical symptoms and a supplementary examination of the eye.

The diagnosis is made by the examining ophthalmologist on the basis of the clinical symptoms as well as an examination of the eye. The therapy depends on the severity of the disease. Ingrown eyelashes are normally removed professionally and sterilely by the ophthalmologist using tweezers.

Attention! Never remove ingrown eyelashes yourself! Different therapeutic measures can be used.

Preferably the so-called cryotherapy is used. Here a coolant is applied or inserted directly on the pathologically changed area. The aim is to freeze the diseased tissue, which is then destroyed.Other procedures are electro-epilation, with permanent removal of excess hair or surgical removal of excess eyelashes by means of surgery.

If the cause lies in a pathological inward rotation of the eyelid towards the eyeball, there is the possibility of a corrective outward rotation “without surgery” by means of pulling plasters or “surgically” by inserting bridle sutures that turn the eyelid outwards. In case of a malformation of the eye, surgical correction by means of eyelid surgery can provide relief. The inflammation is treated with certain eye drops and ointments.