Eyelash. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of a fracture through an eyelash. A hair is growing from a follicle in the underlying layer of skin (the dermis) surrounding the eye. The portion of the hair protruding from the skin is made up of dead tissue and the protein keratin. Eyelashes protect the eye from debris. They are sensitive to being touched, thus providing a warning that an object is near the eye which is then closed reflexively. Magnification: x1600 when printed at 10 centimetres wide.