eyelash

Eyelashes are the small hairs that grow from the eyelid margin that serve to protect the eyes from foreign bodies. The lashes also protect the eye by providing sensory information and activating the blink reflex when touched. Certain glaucoma medications (like latanoprost) can make the eyelashes grow thicker and longer. The medication Latisse can also make lashes longer and is sold specifically for this purpose.  Trichiasis is the term used to describe abnormal eyelashes that grow in the wrong direction and rub against the eyeball. People can lose their lashes after chemotherapy and from chronic eyelid inflammation from blepharitis.