Trichiasis
Tichiasis is
an uncomfortable condition in which the eye lashes are
misdirected toward the eye ball and scratch its surface, the
cornea. The position of the lower lid is normal, but the lashes
point in the wrong direction. This may cause infection and
scarring of the cornea.
The most
common cause is chronic inflammation with scarring in the lower
lid. Such scarring can occur from lid infections, skin
diseases, or from trauma and poor healing of the lid tissues.
Treatment by
removal of the lashes is frustrating, because with in a few
weeks the lashes return to irritate the eye. Removal does
provide temporary relief, however, permanent destruction of the
lash follicle is the only sure way to prevent recurrences. This
can be done by one of the following methods:
-
The first
is electrolysis. Here an electric current is passed through
the base of the lash in hopes of killing the cells that
produce the hair. Often about one-third of the lashes will
regrow.
-
A new
method is now being used in which the offending lashes are
treated with an Argon laser to destroy the hair follicle. The
results and excellent, well tolerated and leave a good
cosmetic appearance. Usually about one-third of the lashes
regrow and often necessitate retreatment within six weeks.
|
