How much real harm am I doing to my eyes by pulling? - Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Message Board

frozeninside · 05-19-2005, 10:40 PM

I never thought of there being any real repercussions from pulling out my eyelashes (besides incredible shame, anger and frustration!) I have been pulling for about 2+ years, but never realized it was OCD until a few months ago. Somehow I've been lucky enough to keep my lids pretty full, maybe they're just growing back fast enough? Will there be a time when they just won't grow back?????

About how long do you have to pull for this to occur? Also, anyone familiar with more direct damage to the eyes, maybe with the nerves or even vision??? Hypochondriac here is freaking out!!!

ChanceFL · 06-30-2005, 08:47 PM

I know this is an old post, but I'm new to this board and I've been sitting here reading through. I used to pull out my eyelashes obsessively when I was a kid, but I eventually stopped. Sometimes I will realize that I am doing it now, but I catch myself before I do any damage. I don't think that it will cause any real harm to your eyes and my eyelashes always grew back the way they originally were. It's the same as plucking your eyebrows (for vanity reasons not obsessive reasons). I've been plucking for years and my eyebrows always grow back. Hope this helps.