Scientist have finally discovered why we have eyelashes and how they function.
It turns out eyelashes are not there just to make us look pretty — nor do they simply catch dust.
Although traditionally thought to protect your eyes from debris and shield them from bright lights, scientists have now found another function — they repel water.
A team of Chinese researchers studied the characteristics of human eyelashes and found they are made from hydrophobic, curved, flexible fiber.
That means water rushes off them helping to keep your vision clear in a downpour or while swimming.
Throughout human evolution, body and facial hair have notably diminished, yet eyelashes have remained a distinguishing feature — however there has not been much research on why.
Their ability to expel unwanted liquids from the eye to maintain clear vision in particular has not received much scientific attention.
For example, while washing your face or sweating during intense physical activity, the eyes are exposed to significant amounts of liquid without compromising clear vision.
Although traditionally thought to protect your eyes from debris and shield them from bright lights, scientists have now found another function — they repel water
The study, published in Science Advances conducted by professor JiangLei and his group from the Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, explored why the eyes remain unscathed by water and sweat.
The researchers tested the interaction between water on an array of eyelashes.
They began by looking at the structure, whether it gets wet, and water drainage process of human eyelashes.
Next, they explored how the flexibility and curvature of the fiber eyelashes influence water drainage and looked at how long it took for water to drain off the hairs.
They also used AI to calculate how the material and shape allowed water to run off the surface of the eyelashes.
Based on their findings, they revealed the curved structure and water resistant fibre of an eyelash keeps water out of the eyes.
This research has also led to the design of aesthetically pleasing and protective false eyelashes that repel water, study authors say.
Eyelashes can protect some dirt from entering the eye, but there are a few additional ways of preventing infection.
Washing your hands before and after touching your eyes, cleaning glasses and not sleeping in contact lenses can help prevent dirt and bacteria entering the eye, according to the NHS.
