Eyelashes are an important part of our facial features, and understanding their life cycle is essential for proper eye care. There are three stages of the eyelash growth cycle: Anagen (the growth phase), Catágena (the transition phase) and Telogen (the resting phase). In this article, we'll explore each stage in detail and discuss how cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and other treatments can affect eyelash growth. The Anagen phase is also known as the growth phase.
During this stage, eyelashes grow actively and can last between 30 and 45 days. At any given time, only about 40 percent of the upper eyelashes and 15 percent of the lower eyelashes are in the Anagen phase. Each eyelash will grow to a specific length before stopping and eventually falling off. This phase can last more than 100 days before a new one starts to grow.
It usually takes four to eight weeks to completely replace an eyelash. Unraveling the mechanisms behind eyelash growth can help eye care professionals better understand and treat eyelash anomalies. This review also highlights the need for more research on eyelashes, as well as how scalp hair research can be applied to eyelashes. Cosmetics have been used since ancient times to improve the aesthetics of the eyes and enhance the thickness, length, and color of the eyelashes.
At the end of the growth cycle, a new eyelash will begin to grow in its place and eventually expel the telogen tab. Currently, there is only one approved pharmaceutical option for eyelash loss (eyelash hypotrichosis), which involves the topical application of a 0.03% bimatoprost ophthalmic solution (Latisse, Allergan) along the upper base of the eyelashes. Serious eyelash pathologies should be referred to specialists for an ablation procedure, eyelid grafts, eyelid reconstruction or systemic therapies. During an evaluation of the anterior segment of the eye, eye care professionals should assess the normality of several structures, including the eyelashes. The morphology, pigmentation, and growth rate of eyelashes have been documented using techniques such as eyelash imaging and follicle immunohistochemistry. The mode of action for pharmaceuticals such as Latisse is to prolong the Anagen phase of the eyelash life cycle, resulting in an increase in length, thickness, and pigmentation of the eyelashes.
Knowing the natural eyelash cycle can help you better understand why some eyelash extensions may fall out over time. Understanding how our eyelashes grow is essential for proper eye care. By learning about each stage of the life cycle and how different treatments can affect it, we can better protect our eyes from potential damage.
