Eyelashes are specialized hairs that primarily act as a physical barrier to protect the delicate surface of the eye from dust, debris, and excessive air or moisture. They are highly sensitive and trigger the blink reflex upon contact, further shielding the eye. Like all body hair, each eyelash grows, rests, and sheds in a three-phase cycle. Uneven or misdirected growth is a common observation. The growth cycle, cosmetic routines, or medical conditions can all affect the uniform alignment of the lash line.
Natural Variations and Temporary Factors
The staggered nature of the eyelash life cycle is a primary reason for variations in length and appearance at any given time. This cycle consists of the anagen (growth) phase, the catagen (transition) phase, and the telogen (resting) phase. Only about 40% of the upper lashes are actively growing in the anagen phase, which lasts for 30 to 45 days.
The remaining lashes are either shrinking in the catagen phase or resting in the telogen phase, preparing to shed. Since each lash is on its own schedule, adjacent lashes can be at different lengths, creating an appearance of erratic or uneven alignment. This natural variation is entirely normal and ensures a continuous protective fringe is maintained over the eye.
Sleeping habits can also temporarily alter the direction of the lashes. People who sleep on their side or stomach often press their face directly into a pillow, which can “smoosh” the lashes on that side. Constant pressure over several hours can temporarily bend or train the lashes into an unnatural, sideways, or downward position. This effect is usually temporary, but consistent side-sleeping can make the misdirection more pronounced on one eye compared to the other.
Cosmetic practices introduce temporary factors that can affect lash direction. Improper use of an eyelash curler, such as clamping down too hard or curling lashes after mascara application, can cause the hairs to break or crimp. If a lash is broken off near the base, the newly emerging hair may appear short and misaligned until it grows out fully. Failure to completely remove mascara before bed allows the product to dry and stiffen the lashes, making them vulnerable to bending and breakage from friction against bedding.
When Misdirection Signals a Medical Condition
When eyelashes grow inward, rubbing against the eye’s surface, it is often a symptom of trichiasis. This condition involves the misalignment of normally positioned eyelashes, causing irritation, redness, and excessive tearing. If left unaddressed, the friction from the lash rubbing the cornea can lead to abrasions or scarring.
Trichiasis can develop after chronic inflammation of the eyelid margin, such as blepharitis, where oily particles and bacteria coat the lid margin near the base of the lashes. Infections like trachoma, which is a bacterial infection of the eye, can cause scarring on the inner eyelid that pulls the lashes inward. Trauma to the eyelid, including burns or previous surgery, can also result in scar tissue that permanently alters the direction of the hair follicles.
A separate condition, distichiasis, involves a second, abnormal row of eyelashes growing from the meibomian glands within the eyelid. These extra lashes are often thinner, but they grow from an incorrect location and may point inward toward the eye, causing irritation. Distichiasis can be present from birth or acquired later in life due to chronic inflammatory processes. It is important to distinguish this from entropion, where the entire eyelid margin turns inward, causing normally directed lashes to rub the eye.
Professional Treatment and Home Management
For minor, temporary misdirection caused by sleeping or cosmetic issues, home management often provides sufficient correction. Gently combing the lashes with a clean spoolie brush can help retrain the hairs in the correct direction. Applying a warm compress or using lubricating eye drops can soothe any mild irritation. Avoiding friction during sleep by switching to a back-sleeping position or using a silk pillowcase can also help prevent temporary bending.
When misdirected lashes are causing persistent irritation, a professional eye doctor can offer various treatments. The simplest temporary solution is epilation, or removal of the offending lash with sterile forceps. However, the lash follicle is not destroyed, and the hair will typically regrow in the same misdirected manner within four to six weeks.
For recurring or multiple misaligned lashes, permanent methods are necessary to destroy the hair follicle. Electrolysis uses an electric current to target and destroy the hair root, permanently preventing regrowth. Cryoablation is another permanent method that uses extremely cold gas to freeze and destroy the abnormal follicles. In severe cases involving extensive scarring or structural changes, surgical procedures may be required to reposition the entire eyelid margin or remove the affected tissue.