Lash health
Eyelash Mites: What You Need to Know
Little mites of the demodex family live in your eyelashes, but it is often nothing to worry about
Dr Tom Walker
September 24, 2025
Dr Tom Walker, MBChB, BSc (Anatomy), is a medical doctor and co-founder of Opti Laboratories, the successor to Mylash, which he founded in 2007. He graduated from the University of Glasgow, where he studied both medicine and anatomy, and has spent close to two decades specialising in the science of eyelash and eyebrow growth.
Dr Walker’s work focuses on evidence-based treatments for eyelash and eyebrow hypotrichosis, including cosmetic concerns and regrowth following medical conditions such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, thyroid disease, and trichotillomania. He founded Mylash in 2007 and later co-founded Opti Laboratories, where he continues to oversee the care of thousands of patients using prescription only and clinically supported treatments through UK-registered doctors and pharmacies.
His commentary and work have been featured in national and international publications including The Times and Vogue. Dr Walker remains closely involved in treatment development, safety review, and patient education, with a particular interest in long-term results, clinical evidence and cosmetic innovation.
Dr Walker writes or medically reviews all educational content published by Opti Laboratories relating to eyelash and eyebrow health. Articles are reviewed for scientific accuracy, clinical relevance and consistency with the current evidence where applicable.
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Little mites of the demodex family live in your eyelashes, but it is often nothing to worry about
An overview on the effect of tamoxifen and other hormone therapies relating to eyelash and eyebrow loss
A post on eyebrow and eyelash hairloss from common antidepressant and anticonvulsant medications such as fluoxetine, sertraline and valproate.
A discussion on hair loss from retinoids and other vitamin A derivatives
We answer questions about common thyroid medications and hair loss, eyelash and eyebrow loss in particular.
Information about eyelash and eyebrow loss from common medications used for controlling heart disease
Questions answered by an expert about eyelash and eyebrow regrowth after chemotherapy
Our hair and lashes suffer as much in the sun as our skin. So what damage can it do and how do you combat it?
Can eyelashes regrow after trichotillomania?
Yes, eyelashes and eyebrows can often regrow once hair-pulling behaviour is under control, as the follicles usually remain intact. Cosmetic serums, such as those from Opti Laboratories, may support regrowth — but they are supportive, not curative, and must be used alongside behavioural therapy.
At Opti Labs, we hear from many clients that want to regrow their eyebrows due to thyroid problems. Here we discuss the various options to help sparse eyebrows caused by hypothyroidism or low thyroid levels.