Your eyelashes are an integral part of your appearance. They frame and draw attention to your eyes. Eyelashes also protect your eyes from dust, debris, and sweat. It is normal to shed a few eyelashes each day. They work like your hair, with their own growth cycle. However, if you notice sparse patches or steadily thinning brows, that is outside the normal hair growth cycle. You may wonder: what causes eyelashes to thin or fall out? Below is helpful information on when to seek treatment for thinning eyelashes.
What Causes Eyelashes to Thin or Fall Out?
Several factors can cause eyelash thinning. Some are due to daily habits and are within your control. Others may be due to a medical condition or broader health issue. Consult an eyelid surgeon to determine the cause. They can evaluate your eyelashes and recommend the best eyelash treatment for you. Below are a few main causes of eyelash thinning.
Eyelid Inflammation
Blepharitis is one of the most common causes of eyelash thinning. It inflames the eyelid margin, where each lash follicle is located. Lash thinning may also be accompanied by crusting, redness, and itching. Over time, constant eyelid irritation weakens the lash follicles. This disrupts their normal growth cycles.
Blepharitis can be caused by a variety of factors. Common contributors include bacterial overgrowth, rosacea, mites, dermatitis, and allergies. Hormonal and age-related changes in the oil glands can also cause the issue. Untreated blepharitis can cause several unwanted symptoms and further eye health problems. Early intervention is key to addressing the issue effectively.
Certain Health Conditions
In some cases, a health problem can cause eyelash issues. Several medical conditions affect your hair follicles throughout the entire body. This includes the lashes.
Thyroid Imbalance
Thyroid issues can affect your eyelashes and hair follicles throughout your body. This includes both an overactive and underactive thyroid. Hair loss is common and can start with the lashes and outer brows. Once the hormone issue is treated, lash growth tends to return.
Alopecia Areata
Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition. The immune system mistakenly attacks the hair follicles. This can impact the scalp, brows, and lashes. While there is no cure, symptoms can be effectively managed.
Everyday Habits That Damage Lashes
In some cases, your lash thinning is caused by your daily habits. Several daily habits contribute to the issue.
Lash Extensions
One of the more common culprits of lash thinning recently is lash extensions. The glue and added weight can break or rip out your natural lashes. Most people notice regrowth once they stop wearing the lash extensions.
Sleeping in Your Makeup
Sleeping in mascara or eye makeup can affect lash growth. Eye makeup can trap bacteria and block the tiny oil glands in the eyes. This can cause inflammation along the lash line, which can lead to lash loss. To reduce the risk of lash loss, remove your makeup and wash your face before bed.
Manual Pulling
Your eyelashes aren’t immune to tension. Some people pull at their lashes or rub their eyes often. This can result in lash loss beyond the natural growth cycle. Using a lash curler can also lead to lash loss. Avoid rubbing and pulling on your lashes to reduce the risk of lash loss.
Treatment for Lash Loss
The right treatment for lash loss depends on its cause. Working with a skilled eyelid surgeon can help. They understand the complexity of the eye and the potential causes of lash loss. The first step in moving forward with treatment is scheduling an appointment with an experienced eyelid surgeon.
A common cause of lash loss is blepharitis. When this is the primary driver of lash loss, the goal is to restore a healthy eyelid margin. BlephEx is a highly effective treatment option. It uses a precise microsponge to clear biofilm from the lash line. Intense pulsed light is also a beneficial treatment option. It dilates blood vessels and reduces bacteria and mites on the eyelid margin. These treatments should be paired with proper daily eyelid hygiene practices. Growth serum can also restore your lashes and improve your look.
Top Eyelid Surgeon
Your eyelashes play a major role in your eyes’ appearance. If your lashes are thin or falling out, contact the team at Jeffrey Joseph Ophthalmic Plastic Surgery today to schedule your consultation!