What causes double eyelashes?
The most common cause of double eyelashes are genetic defects in the development of the epidermis. A defect in the development of the epidermis may lead to an overproduction or underproduction of keratinocytes (the cells responsible for making skin). When there is too much keratin, it leads to the formation of clumps called stratum corneum (SC) which are similar to hair follicles. These SCs form a protective barrier around the eye. These clumps are usually stronger than normal on one or both upper eyelids.
Other reasons include minor trauma, certain skin diseases and inflammatory conditions of the eye. Sometimes it is difficult to diagnose without an exam.
How is it treated?
Treatments for double eyelashes include surgery, chemical peels or caustic substances applied to the skin. For people who are not comfortable with one of the options, it is always possible to avoid getting the lashes in the first place. The beauty industry offers lash growth products and solutions that can be applied to the skin. Most of these substances cause the existing eyelashes to fall out, allowing new, longer ones to grow in.
Why do we have double eyelashes?
The main function of the double eyelid is to protect the eye from dirt and other particles in the air that could impair vision. Another common reason is to create a stronger and more “velvety” surface on the eye to give the illusion of a larger or more open eye. This is common among cultures where Westernization and attractiveness in the West are emphasized.
To determine if you have double eyelashes, hold your arms out in front of you with your palms facing up. If your palms are not visible, you can turn your head slightly to the side and see if any of your eyelashes touch your wrist. Observe your upper eyelids from a front view.
Do you see 3 rows of lashes, rather than 2?
Does your nose look bigger or smaller than usual?
Nose shape can be determined by looking at it from above and from the side.
Does it appear wider than usual or is it longer than average?
If you have double eyelashes, there are ways to reduce or eliminate them.
Learn more about causes of double eyelashes in the What Causes double Eyelashes?
section.
Take the test to see if you have double eyelashes. One method is to carefully trim the outer edges of the lashes, so that they do not brush your face when you blink. However, be careful not to cut any of the lashes that are inside the eye!
If you do not want to trim your eyelashes, try using a product that will coat your lashes with a substance that causes them to fall out, or apply a caustic substance to the lashes. This can be done by a doctor or at home. You can also apply strips of bandage that have been treated with a solution.
As you see, there are many options available to you!
When using a caustic substance, you should always remove your contact lenses before doing so. If you are not wearing contacts, you can avoid injury by covering the eye with a bandage.
Helpful links:
To use a lash treatment, apply it to the upper eyelid in the evening before going to sleep. Try not to blink or rub your eye for 12 hours after the treatment. The treatment takes effect within 48 hours, but it can take up to 3 weeks for you to see a difference. The treatment will take effect within a few days and new lashes will begin to grow. You should also wash your face daily to help remove any remnants of the treatment.
If you want to remove your double eyelashes yourself, you can try caustic substances that will burn them off. You can also try strips of bandage that have had a solution applied to them. You can also learn how to apply a chemical peel at home.
For a safer alternative to lash treatments, visit our safety section for information about make-up and plastic surgery.
Helpful information:
Treatment periods:
12-24 hours
3-5 days
To wash your face:
After removing make up, gently scrub your face with a wet fl
Helpful information:
Treatment periods:
12-24 hours
3-5 days
To wash your face:
After removing make up, gently scrub your face with a wet flannel for 2 minutes. Gently pat your face dry with a towel for 2 more minutes. Use a hydrating facial cream or oil for the remaining minute.
Helpful links:
To change your eye patch:
To save money, you can sleep in the same eye patch for 2 days in a row. This will allow your eye to rest and the patch can dry out before you change it.
If the patch becomes wet or dirty, sleep in the same eye for at least 2 days before changing it.
To read more about eye patches and contact lenses, visit our medical section.
You have tried everything to see better, but nothing has worked.
Now what?
You could consider laser eye surgery. Laser eye surgery can be very successful in correcting many different types of vision problems. You should always discuss the risks and benefits of this type of surgery with your doctor.
You could also consider glasses or contact lenses. Glasses are usually the first option for many people, but they can be very unattractive and some people just don’t like wearing them.
If you decide that laser eye surgery is right for you, you will need to find a doctor who is experienced in performing this type of procedure. Also, glasses can make certain activities more difficult, such as reading. If you wear contacts, you can correct your vision and still do the things you want to do. You will also need to find out when the best time is to have the surgery and if you will need to stay awake during the procedure. If you are nearsighted, your eyes will naturally focus on close objects without the need for your to strain.
You can read more about this in our vision section.
You may also want to consider having other vision checked.
Helpful links:
To find a doctor:
To read more, visit our surgery and medical information sections.Glasses don’t correct for problems such as nearsightedness or farsightedness. If you don’t correct your farsightedness, you will need strong reading glasses that will make you look nerdy.
Sources & references used in this article:
Epiblepharon with inverted eyelashes in Japanese children. II. Surgical repairs. by S Hayasaka, S Noda, T Setogawa – British Journal of Ophthalmology, 1989 – bjo.bmj.com
A double-blind comparison of clomipramine and desipramine in the treatment of trichotillomania (hair pulling) by SE Swedo, HL Leonard, JL Rapoport… – … Journal of Medicine, 1989 – Mass Medical Soc
How double eyelashes give you swollen legs by S Jeffery – British journal of ophthalmology, 2002 – bjo.bmj.com
Effectiveness of a cognitive behavioral treatment program for trichotillomania: An uncontrolled evaluation by J Lerner, ME Franklin, EA Meadows, E Hembree… – Behavior Therapy, 1998 – Elsevier
The efficacy of tea tree face wash, 1, 2-Octanediol and microblepharoexfoliation in treating Demodex folliculorum blepharitis by O Murphy, V O’Dwyer, A Lloyd-McKernan – Contact Lens and Anterior Eye, 2018 – Elsevier
Comparative study of ketoconazole 2% foaming gel and betamethasone dipropionate 0.05% lotion in the treatment of seborrhoeic dermatitis in adults by JP Ortonne, JP Lacour, A Vitetta, Y Le Fichoux – Dermatology, 1992 – karger.com
Comparative study of the efficacy of different treatment options in patients with chronic blepharitis by M Arrua, M Samudio, N Fariña, D Cibils… – Archivos de la Sociedad …, 2015 – Elsevier
