5 Strange Eyelash Facts

1. The longest recorded eyelash was 6.4 centimeters (2.52 inches) long.

2. The lifecycle for an eyelash can be 200 days, whereas a normal hair on the scalp averages 135.

3. There can be tens of thousands of hairs on the scalp, but only 200-300 eyelashes per eye (so make each one count!).

4. Eyelashes have their own glands – the Glands of Moll and Zeis.They release substances that keep your eyes from drying up and help prevent bacterial growth, but if they get blocked they produce a stye.

5. Our eyelashes are infected!
Demodex folliculorum is the name of a mite that commonly lives at the root of eyelashes. As you can see from the picture, they bury themselves head down beside the hair shaft into the follicle. Although they dont tend to do harm, too many of them can increase the likelihood of your eyelash falling out. Thoroughly removing your makeup is a good way to reduce their numbers. Crabs, the type that effect the pubic region, can also be found on eyelashes!

Eyelash facts written by Dr Tom Walker