Trichiasis: What You Need to Know About Ingrown Eyelashes

Have you ever felt like something is poking your eye, but you can’t find anything there? Do you experience eye redness, tearing, or sensitivity to light? If so, you might have trichiasis, a common eye problem that affects many people around the world. In this blog post, we will answer some frequently asked questions about trichiasis, such as what causes it, how to treat it, and how to prevent it. Read on to learn more about this condition and how to keep your eyes healthy and comfortable.

What is trichiasis?

Trichiasis is a condition where the eyelashes grow in the wrong direction, toward the eye instead of away from it. This causes the eyelashes to rub against the cornea (the clear front part of the eye), the conjunctiva (the thin layer of tissue that covers the white part of the eye and the inside of the eyelids), and the eyelids themselves. This can result in eye irritation, inflammation, infection, and even damage to the eye surface.

Trichiasis can affect either the upper or lower eyelid, or both. Sometimes, only a few eyelashes are misdirected, while in other cases, many or all of them are. Trichiasis can also occur in the inner corner of the eye, which is called medial canthal trichiasis.

Is trichiasis painful?

Trichiasis can cause varying degrees of discomfort and pain, depending on the number and location of the ingrown eyelashes, and the sensitivity of the eye. Some people may barely notice it, while others may find it unbearable. Trichiasis can feel like a needle poking your eye, a foreign object in your eye, or a constant itchiness or burning sensation. It can also make your eye water, blink more often, or become red and swollen.

What causes trichiasis?

Trichiasis can have different causes, some of which are unknown. Anyone can develop trichiasis, but it is more common in adults, especially older adults. Some of the possible causes of trichiasis are:

• Eye infection: Certain bacterial or viral infections can cause scarring or inflammation of the eyelid margin, which can alter the direction of the eyelash growth. One example is trachoma, a severe eye infection that is prevalent in developing countries and can lead to blindness. Another example is herpes zoster eye disease, also known as shingles of the eye, which can cause blisters, pain, and vision problems.
• Eye inflammation: Chronic or recurrent inflammation of the eyelid, also known as blepharitis, can cause the eyelashes to become misaligned. Blepharitis can be caused by various factors, such as allergies, skin conditions, or bacterial overgrowth.
• Eye injury: Trauma to the eye, such as burns, chemical exposure, or accidents, can damage the eyelid or the eyelash follicles, and cause them to grow abnormally.
• Eye conditions: Some eye conditions can affect the shape or position of the eyelid, and cause the eyelashes to point inward. For example, entropion is a condition where the eyelid turns inward, and distichiasis is a condition where there is an extra row of eyelashes. Epiblepharon is a congenital condition where there is an extra fold of skin on the eyelid, which pushes the eyelashes upward.
• Aging: As people age, their eyelid skin may become loose or saggy, and their eyelash follicles may weaken or change direction.

What is the best treatment for trichiasis?

The best treatment for trichiasis depends on the severity and the cause of the condition. The main goal of treatment is to remove or redirect the ingrown eyelashes, and to prevent further irritation or damage to the eye. Some of the possible treatment options are:

• Eyelash removal: This is a simple and quick procedure that can be done by an ophthalmologist (eye doctor) or an optometrist (eye care professional). The doctor will use a special instrument, such as forceps or tweezers, to pluck out the offending eyelashes. This can provide immediate relief, but it is not a permanent solution, as the eyelashes may grow back again in the wrong direction.
• Eyelash ablation: This is a more permanent procedure that involves destroying the eyelash follicles, so that they do not produce any more eyelashes. The doctor will use a device that emits radiofrequency waves or laser beams to heat up and vaporize the follicles. This can be done under local anesthesia (numbing the eye area) in an outpatient setting.
• Eyelash electrolysis: This is another permanent procedure that involves passing a small electric current through a fine needle that is inserted into the eyelash follicle. This causes the follicle to stop functioning and producing eyelashes. This can be done under local anesthesia in an outpatient setting, but it can be time-consuming and painful.
• Eyelash cryosurgery: This is another permanent procedure that involves freezing the eyelash follicles with liquid nitrogen or a cold probe. This causes the follicles to die and stop producing eyelashes. This can be done under local anesthesia in an outpatient setting, but it has a higher risk of complications, such as scarring, infection, or eyelid deformity.
• Eyelid surgery: This is a more invasive procedure that involves correcting the underlying cause of trichiasis, such as entropion, epiblepharon, or eyelid laxity. The doctor will make an incision on the eyelid and reposition or remove the excess skin, muscle, or tissue that is causing the eyelashes to grow inward. This can be done under local or general anesthesia in an outpatient or inpatient setting, depending on the complexity of the surgery.

Can trichiasis cause blindness?

Trichiasis can cause blindness if it is left untreated for a long time, or if it is caused by a serious infection, such as trachoma. Trichiasis can cause corneal abrasion (a scratch on the eye surface), corneal ulcer (a sore on the eye surface), or corneal scarring (a permanent mark on the eye surface). These can impair the vision and lead to blindness.

Is trichiasis normal?

Trichiasis is not a normal condition, and it should not be ignored or tolerated. Trichiasis can cause significant discomfort, pain, and vision loss, and it can affect your quality of life. Trichiasis can also indicate an underlying eye problem that needs to be addressed. Therefore, if you have trichiasis, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible, and follow the treatment plan recommended by your eye doctor.

Why do eyelashes turn inward?

Eyelashes turn inward for various reasons, such as infection, inflammation, injury, aging, or genetic factors. Eyelashes are meant to protect the eye from dust, debris, and foreign objects, but sometimes they can become misdirected and cause harm to the eye. This can happen when the eyelid margin, where the eyelashes grow from, becomes scarred, swollen, or distorted, and changes the direction of the eyelash growth.

Should I worry about eyelash in eye?

An eyelash in the eye can be a minor annoyance or a major problem, depending on how long it stays there and how it affects the eye. An eyelash in the eye can cause irritation, redness, tearing, or sensitivity to light, and it can interfere with your vision. If the eyelash is not removed, it can scratch the eye surface and cause infection or damage. Therefore, you should try to remove the eyelash as soon as possible, by blinking, rinsing, or gently wiping the eye with a clean cloth or tissue. If you cannot remove the eyelash, or if you have symptoms of trichiasis, you should see an eye doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Can dry eyes cause trichiasis?

Dry eyes can cause trichiasis, and trichiasis can cause dry eyes. Dry eyes are a condition where the eyes do not produce enough tears, or the tears evaporate too quickly, leaving the eyes dry and uncomfortable. Dry eyes can cause inflammation of the eyelids, which can alter the eyelash growth and cause trichiasis. Trichiasis can also cause dry eyes, by irritating the eye surface and disrupting the tear film, which is a thin layer of fluid that covers and lubricates the eye. Trichiasis can also make it difficult to use artificial tears or eye drops, which are often prescribed for dry eyes.

Conclusion

Trichiasis is a common eye condition that can cause a lot of discomfort and trouble for the affected person. However, it can be treated effectively with various methods, depending on the cause and severity of the condition. The most important thing is to seek medical help as soon as possible, and to follow the advice of your eye doctor.