The harms of trichiasis

Written by Zheng Xin
Ophthalmology
Updated on September 14, 2024
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Trichiasis refers to the condition where eyelashes grow backward and irritate the eyeball. There are many causes of trichiasis, including eye injuries such as burns which can lead to scar formation and subsequently scarring trichiasis. Other causes include blepharitis and meibomian gland dysfunction. The harm posed by trichiasis is significant; the misdirected growth of eyelashes towards the eyeball and their constant friction can lead to conjunctival congestion, corneal opacity, ingrowth of new blood vessels into the cornea, and potentially result in keratitis and corneal ulcers.

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What should be noted for trichiasis?

Patients with trichiasis should note the following: First, when trichiasis damages the corneal epithelium, causing noticeable symptoms of eye pain, foreign body sensation, photophobia, and tearing, medication that promotes the repair of the corneal epithelium is needed, such as recombinant human epidermal growth factor eye drops, recombinant bovine basic fibroblast growth factor eye drops, etc. Second, once trichiasis leads to conjunctivitis, keratitis, and other infectious eye diseases, it is necessary to promptly use antibiotic eye drops for treatment, such as tobramycin eye drops, ofloxacin eye drops, etc. Third, a small amount of trichiasis can be plucked or treated with electrolysis, but for numerous trichiasis caused by entropion, surgical correction of the entropion is required for cure. (Please follow medical advice when using medications.)

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Can people with trichiasis wear orthokeratology lenses?

If you have trichiasis, it is generally not advisable to wear orthokeratology lenses until the trichiasis is treated. The treatment for trichiasis is straightforward. If there are only a few inverted eyelashes, electrolysis can be performed. If there are many, surgical treatment can be carried out. This is because trichiasis can easily lead to various pathological changes in the conjunctiva and cornea, such as conjunctivitis and keratitis. Keratitis can lead to the formation of corneal nebula, plaques, leukoma, or neovascularization. Therefore, it is crucial to treat the condition actively. Once the condition is stable and completely healed, then orthokeratology lenses can be worn. If there are only a few inverted eyelashes, electrolysis can be performed, and if there are many, surgical treatment can be considered, which is relatively simple.

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Besides surgery, how can trichiasis be treated?

Patients with trichiasis can undergo electrolysis treatment for trichiasis in addition to surgical treatment to eliminate symptoms. This involves using a specially designed electric probe that enters the follicles of the misdirected eyelashes, and through the action of electric current, destroys the follicle, thereby preventing the formation of trichiasis. However, electrolysis treatment for trichiasis is only suitable for patients with a small number of misdirected eyelashes, as treating a large number of them can lead to the growth of scar tissue on the eyelid margin, causing complications such as entropion or ectropion. Patients with extensive trichiasis generally need to undergo surgery for correction and treatment.

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Can people with trichiasis exercise?

Do you mean that it involves usual activities such as running or other sports? Trichiasis primarily results from the poor positioning of eyelashes, which touch the cornea, mainly damaging the corneal epithelium. Treatment can be based on the extent of trichiasis. If there are many inverted eyelashes, a correction surgery for trichiasis can be performed. If there are fewer, plucking them is possible, and corneal nutrients can be administered, such as Hailu eye drops and the antibiotic eye drops ofloxacin. It does not affect normal activities and sports in general. I am not sure if this answers your question; this is a general description of the condition of trichiasis.

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Written by Zheng Xin
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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.