Vol.13 The Function of the Eyebrows, Eyelids, and Eyelashes

The eye is a highly sensitive tissue, and even a small amount of debris can cause severe pain. The eyebrows, eyelids, and eyelashes play a crucial role in protecting the eyes by keeping debris and sweat out. In this study, we examined the role of each of these features.
Functions of Eyebrows
Eyebrows prevent sweat from getting into the eyes.

The eyebrows keep sweat from running down the forehead into the eyes. When we frown in bright light, our eyebrows protrude forward by approximately 6 mm, creating shadows in our eyes.

The eyebrows also play an important role in expressing emotions such as laughter and anger.

It is said that almost no other animals have eyebrows except humans.
Function of the Eyelids
The eyelids are above and below the eyes, covering the eyeballs.

By closing and opening, the eyelids regulate the amount of light that enters the eye while also protecting it from foreign substances, external stimuli, and dryness. When the eyelids open and close, tears are produced on the eye’s surface to wash away dirt and create a layer of tears to prevent the eye from drying out.

The tissue surrounding the eyelashes is the thinnest subcutaneous tissue on the face and can move rapidly. For this reason, it swells easily in response to crying, insect bites, impact from an object, or sleeping with one’s face down.

 
Function of eyelashes
Eyelashes grow at the tips of the eyelids.

The eyelashes prevent foreign objects such as dust and dirt out of the eyes, as well as sweat from running down the forehead and entering the eyes.

When dust or debris approaches the eye, the nerves around the eyelash follicles reflexively close the eyelid to protect the eye.

Reference: “Watch out! Let us protect our eyes.” 2. What you need to know to protect yourself” Supervisor: Hiroshi Edagawa Publisher: Kazuyoshi Masayuki Publisher: Shobunsha Co.

 

 

Back to List