Permanent treatment for trichiasis

Written by Zheng Xin
Ophthalmology
Updated on September 04, 2024
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Trichiasis refers to the condition where eyelashes grow inward towards the eyeball, and generally, there are two types. One type is caused by the inward turning of the eyelid, known as entropion. The treatment for this type of trichiasis involves correcting the entropion, which can be achieved through corrective surgery for entropion, thereby treating the trichiasis. The other type is simply the inward growth of the eyelashes themselves. This type of trichiasis can be treated with electrolysis, where an electric needle is used to destroy the hair follicles. Once the follicles are destroyed, the eyelashes will no longer regrow, effectively curing the condition.

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Written by Zheng Xin
Ophthalmology
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Permanent treatment for trichiasis

Trichiasis refers to the condition where eyelashes grow inward towards the eyeball, and generally, there are two types. One type is caused by the inward turning of the eyelid, known as entropion. The treatment for this type of trichiasis involves correcting the entropion, which can be achieved through corrective surgery for entropion, thereby treating the trichiasis. The other type is simply the inward growth of the eyelashes themselves. This type of trichiasis can be treated with electrolysis, where an electric needle is used to destroy the hair follicles. Once the follicles are destroyed, the eyelashes will no longer regrow, effectively curing the condition.

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Written by Li Zhen Dong
Ophthalmology
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Can vision affected by trichiasis be restored?

If trichiasis affects vision, it indicates that the abrasion of the cornea by the eyelashes has reached a certain degree, and active treatment is necessary. The main goal of the treatment is to prevent the future formation of corneal haze, spotted haze, or leukoma, which can severely impact vision. With active treatment, these conditions generally do not develop, so although trichiasis is a minor condition, if not treated actively, it can lead to serious complications. The primary treatments for trichiasis involve the use of eye drops, such as levofloxacin eye drops and sodium hyaluronate eye drops. If the number of misdirected lashes is small, electrolysis of the eyelashes can be performed. If there are many, surgical treatment may be necessary to correct the inward turning of the eyelid. With active treatment, complete recovery is generally possible. (Please use medication under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Zheng Xin
Ophthalmology
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Does trichiasis require a fundus examination?

Trichiasis refers to a condition where the eyelashes grow inward toward the eyeball, a sign related to the eye. Common symptoms include a foreign body sensation in the eye, photophobia, tearing, and even eye pain. Generally, an ophthalmologist can confirm the diagnosis with an examination under a slit lamp microscope. Therefore, it is not necessary to perform a fundus examination for trichiasis; a diagnosis can be clearly established just by using a slit lamp microscope examination.

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Written by Zheng Xin
Ophthalmology
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Will surgery for inverted eyelashes leave scars?

The types of trichiasis can be divided into two categories. One type is simple trichiasis, where the eyelashes grow inward. Its treatment can be through electrolysis, which involves using an electric needle to destroy the hair follicle before plucking it out, preventing future eyelash growth from that follicle. The other type is caused by entropion of the eyelid, which requires corrective surgery for the inward-turning eyelid, involving an incision in the skin. Therefore, treatment of this type of trichiasis will result in scars on the skin.

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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.