Can people with trichiasis undergo myopia surgery?

Written by Li Zhen Dong
Ophthalmology
Updated on September 11, 2024
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Generally, people with trichiasis should not undergo myopia surgery, as trichiasis primarily affects the eyeball. It causes abrasion to the cornea, affects the corneal epithelium, and can lead to neovascularization of the cornea and corneal pathology.

Following the occurrence of trichiasis, surgical treatment should be considered. If there are only a few ingrown lashes, electrolysis of the eyelashes might be performed. After active treatment and once the condition has stabilized, the possibility of undergoing myopia surgery can be considered. Current options for myopia surgery include corneal laser reshaping surgery and ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens) surgery.

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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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What will happen if trichiasis is not treated?

If trichiasis is not treated and allowed to progress, it can cause damage to the conjunctiva and the cornea. Particularly, corneal damage can lead to keratitis and corneal neovascularization, severely affecting vision and the transparency of the cornea. During treatment, if scarring occurs, such as thin corneal opacities, plaques, or leukomas, it can severely affect vision, and even lead to blindness. Therefore, while trichiasis itself is not severe, not treating it can lead to serious consequences. Currently, the main treatments for trichiasis include electrolysis of the eyelashes and surgical treatment, along with the use of eye drops, which generally results in a quick recovery.

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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 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 Li Zhen Dong
Ophthalmology
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Does removing inverted eyelashes have any impact on the eyes?

After removing the misdirected eyelashes, it generally does not significantly affect the eyes. However, if they regrow after being plucked, they tend to be harder than before. Repeated plucking can cause inflammation of the eyelid and conjunctiva, long-term abrasion of the cornea, and may lead to the formation of new blood vessels in the cornea. Sometimes, it can also lead to corneal vascularization. Therefore, plucking is not advised. If there are only a few eyelashes, electrolysis can be performed; if there are many, surgical correction is possible, and generally, the results of the surgery are quite good. In such cases, it is advisable to use anti-inflammatory eye drops and eye drops that protect the corneal epithelium, such as levofloxacin and sodium hyaluronate eye drops. (Please consult a doctor before using any medication.)