Eyelashes, disorders of

The eyelashes are arranged in two rows at the front edge of the lid and normally curve outwards. Growth in an abnormal direction may be due to injury to the lid or, more commonly, to infection. Severe blepharitis may destroy the roots of the lashes. Trachoma, an infection in which the lid is distorted by scarring, may lead to trichiasis. With age, the lashes become finer and fewer.