Think only pets have a shedding season? Un-fur-tunately you’re wrong.
If you’ve noticed more lashes on your cheeks, pillowcase or bathroom sink lately, you’re not alone. We’re in the throes of “eyelash-shedding season,” which most commonly occurs in the spring and fall.
“Similar to how we shed more hair in the spring and fall, our eyelashes go through a similar cycle —unofficially known as ‘lash-shedding season,’” Dr. Allison V. Coombs, director of oculofacial plastic surgery at Manhattan Eye, Ear & Throat Hospital and Northwell Lenox Hill Hospital, told The Post.
While there’s no hard scientific data to explain why this happens, many eye doctors believe that changes in temperature, humidity and exposure to allergens and the sun can contribute to eyelash shedding.
This natural turnover tends to peak in spring and fall, Coombs said, so don’t panic if your lashes seem a little sparser during those months.
Coombs notes that shedding less than five lashes daily is generally considered normal.
Any more than that could be cause for concern, as your lovely lashes do much more than simply frame your eyes.
“While lashes are often appreciated for their cosmetic appeal — hello, lash extensions! — they actually play a crucial role in protecting the eye,” Coombs said.
“Eyelashes act as a physical barrier, helping to keep particles, dust and debris out of the eyes. They also serve a sensory function — when touched, lashes trigger a reflexive blink that helps shield the eye from potential injury.”
Without this essential barrier, your eyes are much more vulnerable to irritation, dryness and that annoying something’s-in-my eye feeling, according to Coombs.
Still, not all lash loss should be chalked up to Mother Nature.
“We take lash loss seriously when it occurs in larger amounts or is associated with other symptoms,” she explained. “It can sometimes point to underlying health issues that need treatment.”
She advises scheduling an eye exam if you notice:
- Clumps of lashes falling out at once
- Bald spots along the lash line
- Lash loss near a mole, growth or dark freckle on the eyelid (which can be a warning sign of skin cancer)
- Brittle or crusty lashes, which may indicate blepharitis — a condition caused by bacterial or mite overgrowth
The bottom line is, “Your lashes are more than just beauty enhancers — they’re a first line of defense for your eyes,” Coombs said.
“If you’re seeing significant changes, it’s always best to check in with a specialist.”
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