The Anatomy of the Eye and Natural Lashes

In this blog post, “Natural Lash Training” we will educate you on the human eye, and the natural lashes. We will cover everything you need to know to understand, the anatomy of the eye, natural lashes, and the effects of Lash Lift and Lash Extensions.

Natural Lash Training: Taking Precautions

Cornea: The transparent, dome-shaped front surface of the eye that covers the iris, pupil, and anterior chamber. Proper prepping of the eye area before lash services is crucial for several reasons, with the protection of the cornea being one of the primary concerns.

1. Protection from Scratching or Abrasions: The cornea, the transparent outer layer covering the front of the eye, is incredibly delicate and sensitive. During lash services such as extensions or lifts, eye pads hold down the lower lashes and protect the delicate skin around the eyes. If these pads are not positioned correctly or are applied with excessive pressure, they can inadvertently scrape or abrade the surface of the cornea, leading to discomfort, irritation, and potentially even corneal abrasions. This is why it is SO IMPORTANT to tell your lash artist if you’re uncomfortable.
2. Prevention of Chemical Exposure: In addition to physical abrasions, the cornea can also be at risk of chemical burns if proper precautions are not taken during lash services. Many of the products used in these procedures contain chemical ingredients, such as adhesives for extensions or solutions for lifts, which must be applied with care to avoid contact with the eye itself. If these chemicals come into direct contact with the cornea, they can cause irritation, inflammation, and potentially serious burns, leading to vision problems and long-term damage if not promptly addressed. Lash glue will pull moisture from the area around it and therefore, dry out the cornea.

Potential Complications:

• Corneal Abrasions: A corneal abrasion is a scratch or scrape on the surface of the cornea, resulting in pain, redness, tearing, and sensitivity to light. While most abrasions heal on their own within a few days with proper care, they can increase the risk of infection if not treated promptly.
• Chemical Keratitis: Chemical keratitis, also known as corneal chemical burns, occurs when the cornea is exposed to irritating or corrosive chemicals. Symptoms may include severe pain, redness, blurred vision, tearing, and sensitivity to light. Immediate irrigation of the eye with water is crucial to flush out the offending substance and minimize damage. However, severe chemical burns can cause permanent scarring and vision loss if not treated promptly by a medical professional. Thus, proper prepping of the eye area before lash services is essential to protect the delicate cornea from physical abrasions and chemical exposure. Any mishap during these procedures that leads to scraping or chemical burns of the cornea should be addressed promptly to prevent further damage and ensure the best possible outcome for eye health and vision.

The Anatomy:

1. Iris: The colored part of the eye, responsible for regulating the size of the pupil and controlling the amount of light that enters the eye.
2. Pupil: The black aperture at the center of the iris, which expands or contracts in response to light intensity.
3. Lens: A transparent, flexible structure located behind the iris and the pupil. The lens helps to focus light onto the retina, enabling clear vision at various distances.
4. Retina: The innermost layer of the eye.
5. Optic Nerve: A bundle of nerve fibers that carries visual information from the retina to the brain, allowing us to perceive images.
6. Eyelids and Eyelashes: The eyelids serve to protect the eye from foreign objects, excessive light, and moisture loss. Meanwhile, eyelashes, positioned along the eyelid margins, help to trap debris and shield the eyes from dust and other particles. On average, a human has about 150 to 200 eyelashes on the upper eyelid and 75 to 100 eyelashes on the lower eyelid. However, these numbers can vary significantly from person to person. Some individuals may have more or fewer lashes due to factors such as genetics, age, and overall health. Additionally, the length, thickness, and density of eyelashes can also vary greatly among individuals.

Natural Lash Training: Natural Lashes

Natural lash training

Though often overlooked, play a crucial role in eye health and protection. Here’s a closer look at their anatomy and functions of the natural lash:

• Hair Follicle: Each eyelash originates from a hair follicle embedded in the eyelid margin. The follicle contains sebaceous glands that secrete oils to keep the lashes moisturized and healthy.
• Eyelash Shaft: The visible part of the eyelash extending beyond the eyelid.
• Root and Bulb: The root of the eyelash anchors it to the hair follicle, while the bulb at the base contains the cells responsible for lash growth.
• Lifecycle: Like hair elsewhere on the body, natural lashes go through a growth cycle consisting of three phases: anagen , catagen , and telogen . Understanding this cycle is essential for maintaining lash health and promoting growth.
  

  The life cycle of natural lashes

  Understanding the stages of this cycle is crucial for anyone considering lash extensions or lash lifts:

  1. Anagen Phase (Growth): This phase is active lash growth. Anagen typically lasts between 30 to 45 days for eyelashes, but this can vary from person to person.
  2. Catagen Phase (Transition): In the catagen phase, lash growth slows down, and the hair follicle begins to shrink. This transitional phase lasts for about two to three weeks as the lash prepares to enter the resting phase.
  3. Telogen Phase (Resting): During telogen, the lash is at rest, and no growth occurs. This phase lasts for approximately 100 days before the lash naturally sheds and a new one begins to grow in its place.

  Factors such as stress, illness, and certain medications can disrupt the lash life cycle, leading to premature shedding or stunted growth. Proper care and maintenance can help prolong the growth phase and ensure healthy, vibrant lashes.

  Natural Lash Training: Effects on Lash Extensions and Lash Lifts

  Understanding the anatomy of the eye and the natural lash life cycle is essential for anyone considering lash extensions or lash lifts, as these procedures involve manipulating the natural lashes. Here’s how these factors come into play:

  1. Lash Extensions: Enhance the length, thickness, and curl of natural lashes, creating a fuller, more dramatic look. However, it’s essential to consider the natural lash’s growth cycle when getting extensions, as lashes shed naturally over time. Maintenance appointments are necessary to fill in any gaps caused by shedding and ensure a seamless, long-lasting result.
  2. Lash Lifts: A lash lift, also known as a lash perm, involves curling and lifting the natural lashes using a chemical solution. This procedure gives the lashes a more lifted appearance, making them appear longer and more voluminous. Like lash extensions, the effectiveness and longevity of a lash lift depend on the natural lash’s growth cycle. As the natural lashes shed and new ones grow in, the lifted effect gradually diminishes. To understand more about lash lifts read our blog that goes into more detail about the service itself and the aftercare needed to keep the lashes looking their best by clicking now! 

• Having trouble deciding whether to book a lash lift and tint or lash extensions? No worries! Check out our blog on just that by clicking this link! 
• To book a lash service with Siroki Lash Studio Jacksonville click here.

XO, Sierra – Founder, Siroki Lash Studio + Siroki Studio Salon Suites Jacksonville FL