Eyelashes can fall out for a variety of common, and sometimes important, reasons. Here’s a concise guide to what might be happening and when to seek care. What’s often happening

• Normal shedding: It’s normal to lose a few lashes each day as part of the natural growth cycle.
• Blepharitis or lid inflammation: Chronic inflammation of the eyelids can weaken lashes and cause shedding, itching, or crusting.
• Rubbing or irritating products: Excessive rubbing, or using lash products (glue, primers, waterproof mascara) that irritate the lid line, can lead to lash breakage and loss.
• Cosmetic procedures or extensions: Lash lifts, extensions, or frequent testing of new mascaras can stress lashes and cause shedding.
• Nutritional factors or hormonal changes: Deficiencies (e.g., iron, biotin) or hormonal shifts can affect lash health.
• Medical conditions: Infections (like styes or blepharitis), thyroid disorders, or autoimmune issues can cause increased lash loss.
• Medication effects: Some medications can contribute to hair shedding, including eyelashes, in rare cases.

When to be concerned or seek evaluation

• Sudden, widespread lash loss or bald patches on the eyelids.
• Accompanying symptoms such as eye redness, swelling, discharge, pain, or vision changes.
• Persistent lash loss beyond a few weeks, despite avoiding irritants and using gentle care.
• Recurrent styes, chalazion, or eyelid infections.
• A family history of eyelash or hair loss disorders, or known thyroid or autoimmune conditions.

What you can do now (gentle care)

• Avoid rubbing your eyes and limit use of eyelash curlers, extensions, or lash glues until the issue improves.
• Use clean, mild products around the eyes; replace expired cosmetics and avoid sharing them.
• Consider a simple, hypoallergenic mascara or skip mascara for a while to reduce irritation.
• Apply warm compresses to the eyelids and practice lid hygiene if blepharitis is suspected (gentle cleansing with a mild, non-irritating cleanser or specially formulated lid scrubs as directed by a clinician).
• Ensure good nutrition: a balanced diet with adequate iron, zinc, and vitamins can support hair health; discuss supplements with a healthcare provider if deficiencies are a concern.
• If using medications that may affect hair growth, review with your prescriber whether eyelash loss could be related.

Red flags requiring medical attention

• Vision changes, significant eye pain, persistent swelling, or crusting that doesn’t improve.
• Lash loss is rapidly progressing or accompanied by other hair loss on the scalp, eyebrows, or body.
• If there’s a noticeable eyelid infection or persistent redness and discharge.

If you’d like, share any details about recent eye irritation, use of lash products or extensions, changes in medications, symptoms (redness, itching, discharge), and your age or medical history. With that, a more tailored assessment and next steps can be discussed.