The Ideal Length for Lashes

Monday, April 6 2015 | 00 h 00 min | Vision Science

Eyelashes are the first line of defense for the eyes, shielding them from windborne particles like dust or pollen. Researchers at the Georgia Institute of Technology used a wind tunnel that determined the best optimal, lash length is one-third the width of the eye.

Shorter eyelashes do not offer enough protection, while longer eyelashes actually channel air currents towards the eye. Lashes that are just right will minimize the number of particles hitting the eye.

Eye lashes the length of one third the eye’s width were found in at least 22 species of mammals including humans, giraffes and hedgehogs.

These findings could help create artificial eyelashes out of filaments to protect sensitive electronics in dusty environments.

Further information: http://rsif.royalsocietypublishing.org/content/12/105/20141294