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Why do we have eyelashes? |
by Mya Kagan (whyzz writer) >> more about the author
Little Helpers
Like lots of things on your body, you’ve probably found yourself wondering why you have eyelashes?! Are they like mustaches for your eyes? Or a special sweater to keep your eyes warm?
The answer is that eyelashes have one main purpose -- protecting your eyes. They help to keep dirt, germs, and other stuff out of your eyes, which are very delicate and need to be kept clean! Our eyelashes also help us know when a foreign object is headed towards our eye – when they sense the touch of some dirt or dust, they quickly send us the message to shut our eye and keep out the invader!
Like the hair on your head, eyelashes sometimes naturally fall out and naturally grow back, too. It takes approximately four to six weeks for an eyelash that has fallen out to grow back, although because you have so many, it’s unlikely you’ll ever even notice it was gone! And don’t forget – when an eyelash lands on your cheek, pick it up, blow it away, and make a special wish!
Little Helpers
Your eyelashes are like little helpers that keep your eyes clean and free from germs and dirt.
What other things do you know about that help other parts of your body in a similar way?
Believe it or not, one example is boogers! Just like your eyelashes, boogers help to trap dirt and germs before they can get inside your nose and bother your lungs! – Aren’t you glad your eyes have lashes and not boogers?!
