Today’s Wonder of the Day was inspired by paige. paige Wonders, “Why do we have eyelashes?” Thanks for WONDERing with us, paige!

The eyes are an important part of the human body. One of the first things we often notice about other people is their eyes. As we make eye contact with other people, our eyes communicate in ways that our words cannot.

Sometimes our eyes are accentuated by the little hairs that line our eyelids. Yes! We're talking about eyelashes. Do you have long eyelashes? If you don't, you might wish you did, as they can make the eyes even more attractive. But why do we even have them?

Many people use makeup and various tools to decorate and lengthen their eyelashes. Long, thick eyelashes can definitely be beautiful. They do serve some useful purposes beyond merely improving your looks, though.

For example, eyelashes help to protect your eyes. There are many particles in the air, like dust and sand, which can get into your eyes and harm them. Eyelashes help to sweep these particles out of the way. The long eyelashes of camels work in similar ways.

Eyelashes also help to keep moisture, like sweat or rain, out of your eyes. Their curved shape and the way they are positioned allow them to direct moisture away from your eyes.

They can also act in a way similar to a cat's whiskers. If something is too close to your face or eyes, your sensitive eyelashes can sense it and alert you to possible danger. Such dangers might include particles in the air or small insects. Your eyelashes help to tell your eyelids when they need to shut to protect the eyes.

Along with your eyebrows and forehead, your eyelashes also help to shield your eyes from the bright light of the sun. They're not a substitute for sunglasses, but they do help to filter the sunlight that shines in your eyes.

Eyelashes are hair, so they'll fall out naturally from time to time. Like the hair on your head, they grow back on their own, too. When an eyelash falls out, it can take a month to six weeks to grow back.

Some people believe eyelashes have special powers to grant wishes. When an eyelash falls out and lands on the cheek, some people will grab it with their fingertips and blow it away after they make a wish. Have you ever wished on an eyelash? Did your wish come true?

Wonder What's Next?

Tomorrow’s Wonder of the Day might be a little dry, but it’s still beautiful!