Eyelash hypotrichosis is a condition that occurs when there is a lack of growth of the eyelashes. Eyelashes play a protective role in shielding your eyes from dirt and debris, which contributes to your overall eye health.
This condition has a variety of causes, with the most common being genetics.
Read on to find out more about what causes, symptoms, and treatments are available to get longer eyelashes.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Adrian Rawlinson
Written by our editorial team Last reviewed 29 February 2024
Eyelash hypotrichosis is a condition where there is a lack of or inadequate growth of the eyelashes. People with this condition may have sparse eyelashes, which can affect how the eyes appear.
These terms are often confused, however, the two conditions are different. Hypotrichosis is a condition in which natural hair growth does not occur and there is less than the normal amount of hair. Alopecia, on the other hand, is a general term for areas that experience hair loss.
The eyelashes are an important feature as they act as a protective barrier to the eye. They help protect the eyes from dirt, dust, debris, and other particles that could otherwise enter the eyes and cause damage or irritation to the delicate eye tissues.
They also prevent sweat from reaching the eyes and protect the eyes from excessive sunlight by providing shade which helps to reduce glare.
The lashes also act as sensors for objects coming close to the eye. When this happens, they trigger a reflexive blink to protect the eye.
There are many causes of this condition, which include:
This condition can be present from the time you are born or may develop later in life.
This condition is characterised by symptoms such as a lack of eyelash growth in specific areas. Eyelashes may be thinly distributed, with noticeable gaps between individual lashes.
Other symptoms of this condition may include:
Most eyelash conditions are diagnosed by doctors taking a look at your eyelashes.
Your doctor may also ask you questions about your medical history, symptoms and when you started experiencing this condition.
Depending on the suspected cause of the eyelash thinning, your doctor may need to do additional tests.
As this condition is often caused by genetics, it may not always be possible to prevent it.
However, there are certain things you can do to maintain healthy eyelashes:
Using mascara can help enhance the appearance of your eyelashes to make them look thicker and darker. However, this is a temporary solution and does not address the underlying cause of hypotrichosis.
False eyelashes may be a good option if you’re looking for a temporary solution for longer lashes. These are easily available, affordable, and come in many different styles to best suit your needs.
Eyelash extensions involve a professional eyelash technician attaching synthetic lashes to your natural lashes. This makes your eyelashes appear fuller and longer. Once again, this is a non-permanent solution and requires regular maintenance. There is a chance that your natural lashes may be damaged in the process.
If you're wondering about how to grow your eyelashes, you will be pleased to know that there is a prescription treatment available. Latisse is the only FDA-approved, clinically proven treatment to grow eyelashes for people with inadequate lashes.
Latisse contains the active ingredient Bimatoprost, a prostaglandin analog. It has been proven to make your eyelashes appear longer, thicker and darker. It does this by prolonging the active eyelash growth phase. It is available as a once-daily solution that is applied to the upper eyelid margin with an applicator.
Patients have seen results in as little as eight weeks, with maximum results observed at 16 weeks of treatment. Latisse will only increase eyelash growth while you are using the product. If you stop using this treatment, your eyelashes will return to their previous appearance within a few weeks to months.
Yes. You can buy Latisse eyelash growth serum online here at SpeedyHealth.
All you have to do is complete one of our online consultation forms. It’s a speedy process and is part of the requirements to get your medication.
After you complete the form, and answer questions about your medical history our doctors will assess it to see if the treatment is safe for you.
If approved, a prescription will be sent to our pharmacy. We will then pack and dispatch your order to you with your selected delivery method.
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