Scientists have finally figured out why we have eyelashes and how they work.
It turns out that eyelashes aren’t just there to make us look pretty, nor do they simply trap dust.
While traditionally thought to protect the eyes from debris and bright lights, scientists have now discovered another function: they repel water.
A team of Chinese researchers studied the characteristics of human eyelashes and discovered that they are made of hydrophobic, curved and flexible fiber.
That means water runs off of them, which helps keep your vision clear during a downpour or while swimming.
Throughout human evolution, body and facial hair has decreased markedly, but eyelashes remain a distinctive feature; However, the reason has not been much investigated.
In particular, its ability to expel unwanted fluid from the eye to maintain clear vision has not received much scientific attention.
For example, when washing your face or sweating during intense physical activity, your eyes are exposed to significant amounts of fluid without compromising clear vision.
Although traditionally thought to protect the eyes from debris and bright lights, scientists have now discovered another function: they repel water.
He studypublished in Science Advances and led by Professor JiangLei and his group at the Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, explored why the eyes remain unscathed by water and sweat.
The researchers tested the interaction between water on a series of eyelashes.
They started by observing the structure, whether it gets wet, and the water drainage process of human eyelashes.
Next, they explored how the flexibility and curvature of the fiber lashes influence water drainage and observed how long it took for water to drain from the hairs.
They also used AI to calculate how the material and shape allowed water to run off the surface of the lashes.
According to their findings, they revealed that the curved structure and waterproof fiber of an eyelash keeps water out of the eyes.
This research has also led to the design of aesthetically pleasing and protective false eyelashes that repel water, the study authors say.
Eyelashes can prevent some dirt from entering the eye, but there are some additional ways to prevent infection.
Washing your hands before and after touching your eyes, cleaning your glasses and not sleeping with contact lenses can help prevent dirt and bacteria from entering your eyes, according to the NHS.