Long and full eyelashes have long been considered a sign of beauty in many cultures, almost universally. [19] Despite not varying by sex and not being a secondary sex characteristic, long lashes are frequently considered a feminine trait, with studies showing that women possessing longer lashes are perceived as healthier and more feminine. [20] Nevertheless, long lashes are regarded as an attractive facial feature in both males and females. [21] On the other hand, Hadza women are known to trim their own eyelashes. [22] Fagien, Steven (13 April 2010). "Management of hypotrichosis of the eyelashes: Focus on bimatoprost". Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology. 3: 39–48. doi: 10.2147/CCID.S5488. PMC 3047948. PMID 21437058.

The traditional Meitei writing system has two letters (symbols), related to eyelashes. The letter "ꯄ" ("Paa") symbolises the human eyelash, and its letter name "Paa" itself means "eyelash" in Meitei language. It has an additional form of letter, known as "Pa Lonsum" ("ꯞ"). [26] [27] [28] Ancient Meitei character "PAA" (ꯄ) represents as well as means "eyelash" Law, Simon K. (21 April 2010). "Bimatoprost in the treatment of eyelash hypotrichosis". Clinical Ophthalmology. 4: 349–358. doi: 10.2147/OPTH.S6480. PMC 2861943. PMID 20463804. Aumond, Sarah; Bitton, Etty (2018). "The eyelash follicle features and anomalies: A review". Journal of Optometry. 11 (4): 211–222. doi: 10.1016/j.optom.2018.05.003. ISSN 1989-1342. PMC 6147748. PMID 30017866. Ghai, Deepika; Tripathi, Suman Lata; Saxena, Sobhit; Chanda, Manash; Alazab, Mamoun (18 November 2022). Machine Learning Algorithms for Signal and Image Processing. John Wiley & Sons. p.130. ISBN 978-1-119-86184-3.

Alonso, M. R.; Damonte, S. P.; Anesini, C. (2019). "Jarilla–Coffea extract: a natural cosmetic product that improves eyelash and eyebrow growth in women". Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology. 12: 47–55. doi: 10.2147/CCID.S182497. PMC 6330964. PMID 30666142. Society and culture [ edit ] Long eyelashes are coveted as a sign of beauty and are considered an attractive facial feature in many cultures. This adult male exhibits trichomegaly and has lashes measuring 12 mm long, over the 10 mm normally considered to be long a b c d Na, J.I.; Kwon, O.S.; Kim, B.J.; Park, W.S.; Oh, J.K.; Kim, K.H.; Cho, K.H.; Eun, H.C. (30 August 2006). "Ethnic characteristics of eyelashes: a comparative analysis in Asian and Caucasian females". British Journal of Dermatology. 155 (6): 1170–1176. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2133.2006.07495.x. ISSN 0007-0963. PMID 17107385. S2CID 26752340. Plug and sew eyelashes for women". Xinhua News. 25 October 2006. Archived from the original on 18 February 2014 . Retrieved 16 March 2013.

Latisse was introduced in the first quarter of 2009 by Allergan as the first drug to receive FDA approval for eyelash growth. Latisse is a solution of bimatoprost, a prostaglandin analog and the active component of the glaucoma medication Lumigan. According to Allergan, noticeable eyelash growth occurs within 16 weeks. Growth is reported to occur primarily on the upper eyelashes, with as much as a 25% increase in length. [30] In addition, the past decade has seen the rapid increase in the development of eyelash conditioners. These conditioners are designed to increase the health and length of lashes. Many utilize seed extract, minerals, and other chemicals to achieve these results. [31]People with vernal keratoconjunctivitis have longer eyelashes, [17] with the increased growth likely a result of the occular inflammation accompanying the condition. Function [ edit ] Eyelashes serve to protect the eye by catching dust and debris. Some debris can be seen on the lashes of this subject Eyelashes grow outwards from both upper and lower eyelids, with varying degrees of curl. People of Caucasian ethnicities have lashes that are more curled than those of Asian ethnicities. [10] However, the degree of curling varies significantly even within a population or ethnicity, where people of Asian ethnicities can also exhibit naturally highly curled lashes. [15] Density [ edit ] Trichomegaly is the condition of abnormally long and/or lush lashes (the objective criteria being lashes of 12 mm or greater in length on the upper eyelids). [18] Glaser, Dee A.; Jones, Derek; Carruthers, Jean; Campo, Antoinette; Moench, Susan; Tardie, Greg; Largent, Joan; Caulkins, Carrie (November 2014). "Epidemiologic Analysis of Change in Eyelash Characteristics With Increasing Age in a Population of Healthy Women". Dermatologic Surgery. 40 (11): 1208–1213. doi: 10.1097/DSS.0000000000000170. ISSN 1076-0512. PMID 25347452. S2CID 24703542.