Can trichiasis be treated without surgery?

Written by Wang Fang
Ophthalmology
Updated on September 09, 2024
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Whether surgery is needed for inverted eyelashes depends on the specific situation. If it is just one or a few eyelashes irritating the eyeball and the symptoms are not significant, you can choose the local electrolysis method to destroy the hair follicles of these eyelashes, preventing their regrowth. This will not affect the appearance and can fundamentally solve the problem. However, if there are a large number of inverted eyelashes causing significant irritation to the eyeball, surgery is recommended for correction. Without surgery, long-term irritation from the eyelashes could cause irreversible damage to the eye, such as scarring or ulcers on the cornea, which could eventually affect vision. Some patients might intermittently pull out the eyelashes, but this is not advisable, as the eyelashes will grow back.

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Written by Li Zhen Dong
Ophthalmology
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Will the surgery for trichiasis recur?

Entropion is treated surgically by removing a part of the eyelid skin to correct the entropion and prevent the eyelashes from irritating the conjunctiva or the cornea. The surgical outcomes for this condition are generally good. Over time, as eyelids may become more lax, entropion can recur. However, this is not considered a recurrence but rather a progression of the condition. Following these occurrences, the primary focus should be on maintaining good eye hygiene, proper eye usage, avoiding staying up late, consuming a bland diet, and avoiding spicy and irritating foods. Regular follow-ups are recommended, along with consuming fruits and vegetables that are high in vitamins E, A, and C.

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Written by Li Zhen Dong
Ophthalmology
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Is it normal to have one or two inverted eyelashes?

Having one or two eyelashes growing inwards is abnormal. Normally, eyelashes should not rub against the conjunctiva and cornea. If this occurs, do not pluck the eyelashes. Electrolysis surgery can be performed on the eyelashes, and after the surgery, the inturned lashes will not grow back, thus they will no longer affect the conjunctiva and cornea. If inflammation of the conjunctiva and cornea occurs, anti-inflammatory eye drops, such as levofloxacin, and sodium hyaluronate eye drops, which protect the corneal epithelium, can be used for effective treatment. Generally, these issues are not serious and do not affect vision. However, if vision is impacted, further examination and treatment should be sought from an ophthalmologist.

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Written by Li Zhen Dong
Ophthalmology
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Can opening the eye corner cure trichiasis?

Trichiasis, if caused by epicanthus, can be corrected by canthoplasty. If it is not caused by epicanthus but by entropion of the eyelid, canthoplasty will not be effective. For trichiasis with few lashes involved, electrolysis can be used for treatment. If there are many lashes involved in trichiasis, entropion surgery can be performed. The surgery is minor and complete recovery is possible; usually, dressings are changed after surgery and recovery can be expected within about a week. If trichiasis severely wears down the cornea, active treatment should be sought to protect vision and the cornea.

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Written by Tao Yuan
Ophthalmology
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Will there be scars after entropion surgery?

After the surgery for trichiasis, scars may remain in the eyelid area. However, because the skin on the eyelids has a strong healing ability, the scars usually are not conspicuous. Trichiasis is usually caused by a spasm in the orbicularis oculi muscle inside the eyelid, leading to entropion. Eyelashes poking toward the corneal tissue scratch the corneal epithelium with each blink, causing redness, eye pain, foreign body sensation, photophobia, and tearing. If not treated promptly, it can easily lead to keratitis and may form scars within the corneal tissue, reducing corneal transparency and thus affecting the patient’s vision. Treatment typically requires surgery to remove excess loose skin on the eyelids and to eliminate part of the spasmodic orbicularis oculi muscle, returning the eyelid to its normal position and alleviating the symptoms.

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Written by Li Zhen Dong
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Can inverted eyelashes be plucked out?

Ingrown eyelashes should not be plucked, as this can cause the new eyelashes to grow back thicker and harder, leading to more severe damage to the conjunctiva and cornea. If there are only a few, electrolysis treatment for the eyelashes is possible. If the condition is severe, surgical treatment to correct the ingrown eyelashes is entirely feasible. During this period, using eye drops such as levofloxacin eye drops and sodium hyaluronate eye drops can be beneficial. Do not apply heat, monitor your vision, and have regular check-ups. Eat a light diet and avoid spicy and irritating foods. (Note: The use of medications should be under the guidance of a professional doctor.)