Modern Australian
The Times Real Estate

.

why are our top eyelashes longer than our bottom eyelashes?

  • Written by Christian Moro, Associate Professor of Science & Medicine, Bond University

Why are our top eyelashes longer than our bottom eyelashes? Lilia, aged 7

why are our top eyelashes longer than our bottom eyelashes?

Thanks for this great question, Lilia.

The upper eyelid is larger, longer and has deeper roots so it can support more luscious lashes.

All mammals have this feature, but why have the eyes developed this way?

The most significant reason is to protect our eyeballs. But having longer top eyelashes can also help us express our feelings and communicate with others.

They protect you

We have between 90 and 160 eyelashes in each upper lid, each of which grow between 8mm and 12mm long. In each lower lid, we have around 75 lashes which grow 6–9mm long.

Together, your long top and shorter bottom lashes provide a curtain of protection that covers the whole eye socket. This stops dust, insects or sweat getting into your eye and hurting it.

Without eyelashes, your eye would also dry out much quicker, and would be more likely to catch nasty germs. This is why people without eyelashes have to blink much more often.

Read more: Curious Kids: will I go blind if I shut my eyes and face the Sun?

why are our top eyelashes longer than our bottom eyelashes? The perfect length of eyelashes is one-third the width of the eye. Christian Moro/Author Provided

There is actually an “ideal length” for upper eyelashes.

Using eyelash lengths from humans, as well as across a range of animal species, this is one-third the width of the eye. Any shorter and wind gets through too easily. Any longer and the wind starts to become caught under the lashes, with both scenarios causing the eyes to dry out more.

Read more: Curious Kids: Why do tears come out of our eyes when we cry?

Eyelashes protect animals too

Humans are not the only animals that have eyelashes — all mammals have them, including cats, dogs, elephants, and mice. But they differ in length and density depending on where the animal lives. In most cases, other animals also have much longer lashes on the upper lid.

For animals that live in dusty areas, their eyelashes stop them getting specks of dust in their eyes. This is why camels, kangaroos, elephants and giraffes have several rows of long eyelashes, not just one row.

why are our top eyelashes longer than our bottom eyelashes? Giraffes have long eyelashes to protect their eyes from dust. Evgeny Gubenko/ Shutterstock

In rodents, such as rats, eyelashes are positioned around the eye and act as sensors. That way, rats can protect their eyes by blinking whenever they sense an unknown object near their eyes.

But it’s not just mammals. Birds have also developed eyelash-like feathers around their upper eyelids.

These feathers protect birds’ eyes from sunlight by casting a shadow on their eye. Compared to mammals, these eyelash-like feathers are long (up to 2cm), thick, and widely spaced out.

Other ways eyelashes are useful

Our eyelashes are also important for when we meet and talk to other people.

If you are feeling tired, surprised or concerned, your eyelashes can help someone else tell how you are feeling. Also, fluttering your eyelashes at someone might be a way to indicate you really like them. The extra length of the top eyelashes helps to emphasise this.

Read more: Curious Kids: how do eyes grow?

why are our top eyelashes longer than our bottom eyelashes? Your eyelashes help you convey emotion. Maria Spb/ Shutterstock

Lash facts

  • Unlike most other hairs in our body, eyelashes don’t have the tiny muscles that make the hairs stand on end, giving us goosebumps

  • eyelashes are usually the darkest-coloured hair in our body, and they never go grey!

  • the early Egyptians used makeup on their eyelashes, just like many people do today. They lived more than 5,000 years ago

  • eyelashes vary a lot between people. Different people can have big differences in the number, thickness, curliness, shape or length of their eyelashes

  • lashes curve outwards from the eye so the top and bottom hairs don’t get tangled up when we blink

  • if we pull out our eyelashes it takes about eight weeks for them to grow back. So it’s probably best not to!

Read more: Curious Kids: why do our toes and fingers get wrinkly in the bath?

Hello, curious kids! Have you got a question you’d like an expert to answer? Ask an adult to send your question to curiouskids@theconversation.edu.au

Authors: Christian Moro, Associate Professor of Science & Medicine, Bond University

Read more https://theconversation.com/curious-kids-why-are-our-top-eyelashes-longer-than-our-bottom-eyelashes-132585

The Best Nail Art for Short Nails

Short nails often get overlooked in the world of nail art, but they’re actually the perfect canvas for stylish, sophisticated designs. Whether you...

How Much Does a Skip Bin Cost? Skip Bin Prices, Sizes & What Influences the Price

Regardless of whether you're renovating a house. You are tidying up your backyard, or running a construction site. Chances are you'll require a skip...

Panoramic Elevators: Combining Functionality with Aesthetic Appeal

In the evolving world of building design, the demand for architectural features that are both practical and visually striking continues to rise. One...

No Dig, No Drama: Sydney Pipe Relining Explained

You know that feeling when water starts pooling where it shouldn't? Or received a quote for pipe repairs that made your eyes water? Let's chat about...

The SEO Benefits of AI-Optimized Landing Pages: Smarter Metadata, Faster Load Times

Landing pages are integral to the conversion funnel in digital marketing. Yet, when SEO works well to drive traffic to the landing page, it's just a...

How to Reduce Turbo Lag with an Upgraded Mazda BT-50 Exhaust System

Are you struggling with turbo lag affecting your driving experience?  Did you know upgrading your Mazda BT-50 exhaust system could be the key to u...

How to Segment Email Lists Based on Content Engagement (Not Just Demographics)

Email segmentation generally refers to age, location, gender demographic, and conventional elements. While this could be helpful information, it doe...

6 Qualities to Look for in Local Caravan Dealers

If you're searching for reliable caravan dealers in Campbellfield, it's essential to choose a dealer that offers quality products, excellent custome...

How to Repair a Faema Coffee Machine: A Practical Guide for Coffee Lovers

Introduction If you’re the proud owner of a Faema coffee machine, you already know that it’s more than just a kitchen appliance — it’s a vi...

Smart Health Decisions in Your 30s, 40s, and 50s: The Ultimate Prevention Guide

Making informed health decisions becomes increasingly important as we navigate through different life stages. What may have seemed unimportant in our ...

Sydney’s Electricians Helping Cut Business Costs

Running a business in Sydney isn’t cheap. Between rent, wages, equipment, insurance, and endless operational costs, it’s no wonder business owne...

Can Air Conditioning Help with Allergies and Asthma?

Living with allergies or asthma can make everyday environments feel challenging—especially during certain seasons or in homes where dust, pollen, ...

A Fast Charging Power Bank and Wireless Power Bank: The Future of Power Bank Technology

As the use of mobile devices grows, so does the demand for better, more efficient, faster, and more imaginative methods to power them. Previously re...

How to Extend the Lifespan of Your Power Bank: An Overview

Power banks are vital for ensuring your devices are powered while on the go, especially when on the move, outdoors, or during emergencies. They prov...

What is a Power Bank and How To Choose One

In a world filled with gadgets running out of battery is a real issue. This is where power banks can come in useful. They're portable, they hold pow...

Portable Chargers: How They Work & Essential Tips to Extend Battery Life

Portable chargers (also known as power banks) are essential accessories that keep your devices powered up while on the go — be it outdoor activiti...

How Artificial Tulip Displays Enhance Your Home’s Aesthetic

Artificial tulip displays have grown to be a common option for improving interior decor because of their exquisite look and long-lasting quality. Th...

The Psychology of Relationships: How Therapy Can Strengthen Bonds

Relationships require effort, understanding and communication. Couples and individuals can have better relationships with the assistance of therap...