Is it better to open the eye corner for inverted eyelashes?

Written by Tao Yuan
Ophthalmology
Updated on January 10, 2025
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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 Li Zhen Dong
Ophthalmology
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Can opening the eye corner cure trichiasis?

Trichiasis, if caused by epicanthus, can be corrected by canthoplasty. If it is not caused by epicanthus but by entropion of the eyelid, canthoplasty will not be effective. For trichiasis with few lashes involved, electrolysis can be used for treatment. If there are many lashes involved in trichiasis, entropion surgery can be performed. The surgery is minor and complete recovery is possible; usually, dressings are changed after surgery and recovery can be expected within about a week. If trichiasis severely wears down the cornea, active treatment should be sought to protect vision and the cornea.

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Written by Li Zhen Dong
Ophthalmology
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Can I pluck an inverted eyelash myself?

It is best not to pluck ingrown eyelashes yourself, as they will grow back even harder than before, and will grow irregularly in multiple directions instead of just outward. This will cause the eyelashes to grow disorderly. Ingrown eyelashes generally cause abrasion to the conjunctiva and cornea. If there are few ingrown eyelashes, treatment can be done by propping them up; if there are many, surgical treatment can be considered. To protect the corneal epithelium from ingrown eyelashes, certain eye drops like sodium hyaluronate may be used, along with anti-inflammatory eye drops like levofloxacin. With active treatment, recovery is usually complete. If not properly treated, it could gradually lead to corneal diseases, severely affecting vision.

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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 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.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Tao Yuan
Ophthalmology
59sec home-news-image

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.