Introduction
Have you ever wondered why we have eyebrows? What about eyelashes?
Each serves significant purposes, including protection and maintenance of the eyes, as well as communication with those around us. In this article, we will discover the many unique functions of our eyebrows and eyelashes.
Eyebrows
One primary function of the eyebrows is communication. Eyebrows can both enhance and intensify our overall facial expressions. This strengthens others' ability to understand us by supplying them with nonverbal cues, which can either affirm or contradict our verbal expressions. For instance, if someone is surprised, they may raise their eyebrows. Their facial expression conveys their emotions, although they may choose not to verbally express them.
Eyebrows also play a significant part in facial recognition. A 2003 study conducted by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) found that eyebrows may be at least as influential as the eyes themselves in human facial recognition. Participants in this study were shown altered photos of well-known individuals in which they lacked either eyes or eyebrows. Participants did consistently better at recognizing the individuals who had eyebrows than those who lacked them. This demonstrates that eyebrows are significant markers of identity.
Finally, eyebrows protect the eyes from rain and sweat; the direction in which the hair grows causes liquids to roll down the side of the face instead of the front. Eyebrows can also block excess light from entering the eyes and act as filters for dust and dirt.
Eyelashes
Like eyebrows, eyelashes prevent dust and debris from entering the eyes. Nerve endings on the edges of the eyelashes can communicate their position with the brain, and when necessary, this stimulates blinking. Blinking spreads tears across the cornea (the transparent layer at the front of the eye), flushing any foreign particles present in
the eye. This process also aids in preventing the eyes from becoming too dry.
Conclusion
As you can see, our eyebrows and eyelashes have many significant functions and capabilities. Some collaborate to protect the eyes from harm and keep them healthy. Others strengthen our communication with those around us. Some of these abilities are similar, though others are unique solely to the eyebrows or eyelashes. Overall, each is valuable in our daily lives in ways that often go unnoticed.
Thank you for reading, and we hope you found this post informative! If your child needs a comprehensive eye exam, give us a call at (616) 796-9995. We'd be happy to assist you with scheduling an appointment!