Causes, Symptoms, And Solutions for Ingrown Eyelashes

Do not underestimate your lashes! They are tiny hairs on your eyelids that not only play a major role in protecting your eyes but also help to beautify your overall looks. 

Beautiful and healthy lashes are true signs of beauty and good eye health. The quest for growing out lashes may take a wrong turn at times leading to ingrown eyelashes which may harm your lid. It is important to take proper precautions for your eyelids while taking care of your lashes. 

This article shall give you insights into the causes, symptoms, and prevention of ingrown eyelashes.

What is Ingrown Eyelash?

When an eyelash grows inward instead of outward, it is known as an ingrown eyelash. The eyelash may tend to grow in the wrong direction towards the eye. The medical term for ingrown eyelashes is known as “Trichiasis.”

How Does Ingrown Eyelash Occur?

We are well aware that ingrown hairs get trapped under the skin, creating a painful bump that is surrounded by a sheath of skin cells. This may lead to infection of the hair follicle. Ingrown hair is possible in all kinds of hair follicles of the body and the same goes for lids and lashes too. Let us not forget that our eyelids and eyelashes are very delicate and sensitive. This leads to higher chances of pain and infection when they get involved in cases of ingrown hair. 

This ingrown eyelash which grows in the wrong direction can hamper the activity and functioning of eyelashes. Let us check out the main function of eyelashes.

Functions Of Eyelashes

The main function of eyelashes are as follows- 

• Protection from dust- It prevents airborne dirt, dust, or grime from entering the eyes. It plays an important role in protecting the eyelids and eyes. This is especially seen in the upper lashes which usually grow upwards towards the forehead and prevent the entry of foreign particles by trapping them.
• Protection from sun damage -It also protects the eyes from harsh sunlight or intense glare which may harm them
• Keeps eyes moist- It helps in keeping eyes moist by minimizing the flow of air to the eye surface thus preventing dry eyes.
• Cosmetic and beauty purpose- It is an important element to enhance the beauty of the eyes which makes you look attractive 

Ingrown eyelashes may disrupt the normal functional capacity of protection and beautification of the lashes. It is important to address the concern correctly to prevent ingrown eyelashes.

Symptoms of Ingrown Eyelash

Trichiasis may start with a few lashes and gradually affect all the lash follicles creating eyelid complications. Changes in the lash follicle and growth can irritate the eyelids in certain areas leading to signs and symptoms. This may be localized on the eyelid or may cover the entire lid in extreme cases. The important symptoms of ingrown eyelashes are- 

• A gritty sensation or pricky sensation in the eye
• Redness around eyes
• Watery eyes
• Mucus-like discharge from the eyes especially in the morning
• Dryness of eyes
• Itching or painful eyes
• Extreme sensitivity to light or glare
• Swollen eyelids in extreme conditions may show up as a bump on the eyelids 

It is important to check for these symptoms in cases of ingrown eyelashes to prevent irresistible itching, scratching, or rubbing of the eyes which may damage the cornea and make it more prone to an eye infection.

Causes of Ingrown Eyelashes

The common causes of ingrown eyelashes are as follows- 

• Eyelid infections such as blepharitis or trachoma
• Scar tissue post-injury to eyes
• Dryness of eyelashes due to aging
• Lack of blood circulation to the eye area which may cause ingrown lashes
• Entropion or inverted eyelash due to eye muscle or tissue weakness causing eyelid to fold inwards
• Blocked lash follicle due to eye makeup residue or traces

Complications of Ingrown Eyelashes

The major complications of ingrown eyelashes are as follows- 

• Chronic eye irritation which may lead to injury due to rubbing or scratching
• Recurrent eye infections
• Eyesight problems like blurring of vision 

To prevent these complications of ingrown eyelashes, it is important to take proper care of the eyelid and lash health by following these prevention tips.

Prevention of Ingrown Eyelashes

Here are some prevention tips for ingrown eyelashes- 

• Follow a lash care routine with eyelash oil, and serum
• Be gentle with your eyes and avoid excessive rubbing of your eyes
• Keep minimalistic when it comes to daily eye makeup
• Use natural and cruelty-free beauty products
• Opt for natural eyelash mascara
• Remove all the makeup traces and residue properly before you go to bed to prevent blockage of lash follicles
• Do some eye exercises or facial yoga to improve blood circulation to the eyes
• Replace your eye makeup and its applicators like mascara wands regularly
• Sanitize and clean eye makeup applicators regularly as they tend to harbor bacteria. This will prevent eye infections
• Use a gentle facial cleanser for a perfect cleanse and to prevent excessive drying out of the eyes 

It is important to maintain optimum eyelid health to prevent ingrown lashes while using eye makeup. Get motivated to follow a healthy lash routine for beautiful lashes to redefine beauty at its best.