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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Is praying to gods and worshipping Buddha effective for trichiasis?

Trichiasis generally has two types, one is simple trichiasis, which can be treated through electrolysis. By using an electric needle to destroy the hair follicle, the follicle will no longer produce eyelashes. The other type is caused by entropion of the eyelid, which requires surgical correction of the entropion to be cured. Therefore, the treatment of trichiasis needs to be conducted in a hospital; praying to gods and worshipping is of no effect and serves only as a psychological effect.

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Written by Tao Yuan
Ophthalmology
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Is it better to open the eye corner for inverted eyelashes?

Patients cannot be cured of trichiasis by undergoing canthoplasty. Symptoms of trichiasis generally do not improve after canthoplasty, as trichiasis is usually caused by the abnormal growth direction of the eyelashes at the edge of the eyelid towards the cornea, or by spasm of the orbicularis oculi muscle, causing the eyelid edge to roll towards the eyeball. Trichiasis can injure the corneal tissue, leading to eye congestion, redness, foreign body sensation, pain, photophobia, and tearing. For a small amount of trichiasis, the lashes can be plucked with tweezers, but this often recurs. If trichiasis recurs frequently, electrolysis treatment can be performed to destroy the follicles growing the ingrown lashes, thereby minimizing recurrence. For a large amount of trichiasis caused by entropion, surgical treatment is needed to correct the entropion for a cure.

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Written by Wang Fang
Ophthalmology
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Will trichiasis cause the eyes to tear?

Trichiasis can cause the eyes to tear. Patients with trichiasis exhibit significant tearing symptoms because the cornea is rich in nerve endings and is very sensitive to foreign stimuli. In trichiasis, the eyelashes poke and irritate the cornea, thus stimulating the nerve endings and causing reflex tearing. Therefore, patients with trichiasis should be treated promptly to avoid irreversible damage to the cornea, such as scars or corneal ulcers. For minor trichiasis, local electrolysis can be used to destroy the hair follicles so they no longer grow; for more severe cases, it is recommended to visit a hospital for surgical correction of the trichiasis.

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Written by Li Zhen Dong
Ophthalmology
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Can people with trichiasis wear contact lenses?

Patients with trichiasis often experience inflammation of the conjunctiva and the cornea, therefore, they cannot wear contact lenses. Once trichiasis occurs, it should be actively treated, especially targeting the trichiasis itself. If it is just a few eyelashes that are inverted, electrolysis of the eyelashes can be performed. If there are many eyelashes inverted, then surgical treatment should be considered. Once the condition stabilizes, contact lenses can be worn. However, since trichiasis affects corneal lesions, a corneal bandage lens can be worn to protect the cornea. Active treatment with eye drops and eye ointments is recommended, and hot compresses should be avoided.

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Written by Li Zhen Dong
Ophthalmology
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Will the inverted eyelashes grow back after being plucked?

Trichiasis, if plucked, can still regrow, and the new eyelashes may be harder than before, posing a more severe irritation to the conjunctiva and cornea of the eye, so plucking is not recommended. If there are few lashes, electrolysis of the eyelashes can be performed; if there are many, surgery can correct the trichiasis. Once trichiasis occurs, local anti-inflammatory eye drops should be used, such as levofloxacin eye drops, gatifloxacin eye drops, and eye ointment. Use tobramycin eye ointment and erythromycin eye ointment; do not apply heat, take rest, eat a light diet, reduce close work, have regular check-ups, and monitor your vision. (Please use medications under the guidance of a physician.)