The loss of eyelashes, medically termed madarosis, can be alarming and causes noticeable thinning along the lash line. Eyelashes protect the eyes from debris, but their appearance is also tied to self-perception. Shedding one to five lashes daily is normal, but excessive or rapid loss signals an underlying issue. Understanding the reasons behind this fallout, which range from daily habits to complex health conditions, is the first step toward addressing the problem.
Understanding the Eyelash Growth Cycle
Eyelashes follow a distinct, three-phase growth cycle that typically lasts between four and eleven months. The first stage is the Anagen phase, the active growth period lasting approximately 30 to 45 days, where the lash lengthens and is firmly attached to the follicle. About 40% of the upper lashes are in this phase at any given time.
Next is the Catagen phase, a short transition period lasting about two to three weeks. During this time, the lash stops growing, the hair follicle begins to shrink, and the lash is prepared for shedding.
The final stage is the Telogen phase, the resting period that can last for 100 days or more. The fully grown lash rests in the follicle while a new hair forms beneath it, eventually pushing the old lash out. Loss occurring outside this natural cycle is usually due to factors that prematurely disrupt the Anagen or Catagen phases.
Common Causes Related to Lifestyle and Cosmetics
Premature eyelash loss often stems from mechanical stress or irritation caused by daily beauty routines. Forceful makeup removal, especially rubbing or pulling dried mascara, weakens the hairs and causes them to break or fall out. Waterproof mascara increases shedding risk because it requires more friction or harsher solvents for complete removal.
Improper use of a lash curler can physically damage the hairs, particularly if clamped too hard or used after mascara has been applied, making the lashes brittle. Leaving eye makeup on overnight clogs hair follicles and irritates the eyelid, contributing to subsequent loss.
Lash extensions can cause trauma if the adhesive is applied incorrectly or if the extension weight is too heavy. Allergic reactions to extension glue can also irritate the hair follicle and accelerate shedding. Chronic eye rubbing, whether due to habit, allergies, or trichotillomania, directly pulls out lashes and damages the follicle.
Underlying Health Conditions That Trigger Loss
When eyelash loss is not linked to external factors, it may signal a systemic or localized health issue requiring medical diagnosis. Thyroid disorders are associated with hair loss because both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism disrupt the hormone balance necessary for hair growth. This loss often affects the eyelashes, eyebrows, and scalp simultaneously.
Autoimmune conditions, such as Alopecia Areata, specifically attack hair follicles, leading to partial or complete hair loss across the body. Blepharitis, a common inflammation of the eyelid caused by clogged oil glands or bacterial overgrowth, irritates the lash base and leads to chronic shedding.
Certain medications, including chemotherapy drugs, blood thinners, and retinoids, list hair loss as a side effect. Chronic, unmanaged stress can trigger telogen effluvium, a temporary condition that prematurely pushes hairs into the resting phase. Nutritional deficiencies, particularly involving iron, zinc, or protein, also impede healthy hair growth and contribute to lash thinning.
When to Seek Professional Medical Advice
While minor, temporary shedding is usually manageable at home, certain signs indicate the need for professional medical evaluation by an ophthalmologist or dermatologist. If the lash loss is sudden, rapid, and noticeable, or if it occurs on both eyelids, it suggests a systemic issue that needs prompt investigation.
Consult a doctor if the loss is accompanied by other symptoms of eye irritation, such as persistent redness, itching, pain, swelling, or scaling of the eyelid skin. These symptoms could point to infections, blepharitis, or a dermatologic condition like eczema. If the problem persists even after eliminating all potential cosmetic causes, or if you notice hair loss simultaneously on your eyebrows or scalp, seek a comprehensive medical workup.