Grades K–2 · Organisms
How do eyelashes help protect your eyes?
Eyelashes grow along the edges of your eyelids. They stick out in front of the eye. A speck moving toward the eye may meet a lash before it reaches the wet eye surface.
In the diagramA small barrier ahead of the eyedustlashesThe eyelid can cover the whole surfaceSome particles meet a lash; spaces remain between hairs.
The hairs leave spaces, so light can still reach your eyes. They help keep some dust and other small bits away, but they cannot stop everything. Your eyelids can close across the whole eye.
Lashes, lids and tears do different jobs together. Lashes make a small barrier, lids cover the surface, and tears keep it wet and help carry loose bits away. Such small parts can make a useful team.
About this explanation
Starting knowledge: Recognize an eye, its eyelid and the small hairs along its edge.
Sources
- National Eye Institute — Test Your Eye Health Knowledge: eyelashes