Madarosis, milphosis, eyelash trichomegaly, and dermatochalasis

Eyebrows, eyelashes, and eyelids are cosmetically and functionally important periocular landmarks that offer insights into a patient’s emotional state. Several pathologies exist with respect to the eyebrows, eyelashes, and eyelids. Madarosis refers to loss of the eyebrows or eyelashes; milphosis refers specifically to eyelash loss. Excess growth of eyelash hair is termed trichomegaly. Excess skin in the upper or lower eyelids is called dermatochalasis. Pathology of these important structures can be reflective of important local and systemic disease processes.