Can people with trichiasis wear orthokeratology lenses?

Written by Li Zhen Dong
Ophthalmology
Updated on May 06, 2025
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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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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.)

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Written by Li Zhen Dong
Ophthalmology
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Can trichiasis be noticeable?

Trichiasis can be clearly seen with the naked eye; it causes friction on the conjunctiva, either on the sclera or the cornea, leading to damage to the corneal epithelium. This can result in keratitis, corneal neovascularization, and if not treated promptly, it can lead to further pathological changes in the cornea such as thinning, leukoma, and speckled opacities, severely impacting vision. Simple cases of minimal trichiasis can be treated with electrolysis, but more severe cases should be surgically treated. Complete recovery is possible after surgical treatment for trichiasis.

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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 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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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.