How is trichiasis treated?
Treating trichiasis has the goal of protecting the cornea and removing the eyelashes that are pointing into the eye. Your provider may begin by prescribing lubricating eye drops. Treatment choice may also depend on how many misdirected eyelashes you have.
Tweezing or plucking to treat trichiasis
Your provider can pluck hairs out using tweezers (forceps), but this isn’t permanent. The hairs may grow back in the right direction, or they may grow back in the same position and continue to irritate the eye.
Electrolysis to treat trichiasis
Electrolysis is a way to remove hair permanently. The treatment uses an electric current to destroy the hair root at the end of the follicle.
Cryoablation to treat trichiasis
Cryoablation is a way to remove hair follicles and roots using extremely cold gas. Cryoablation, also called cryosurgery, is effective but can cause complications like scarring or changes in skin color.
Cryoablation is sometimes paired with a technique called eyelid splitting. The provider cuts into the eyelid to expose the hair follicles and then uses cryotherapy to destroy them.
Laser ablation to treat trichiasis
Your provider may suggest using lasers to remove the misdirected eyelashes of trichiasis. An argon laser was the first type of laser used to treat trichiasis. The treatment may also use infrared diode lasers, ruby lasers and Nd:YAG lasers (neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet lasers).
Releasing follicle roots to treat trichiasis
Plastic surgeons have tested a newer technique for treating trichiasis that involves surgery to remove and reposition the hair follicles. The incision is glued back together.
One advantage of this treatment is that your eyelashes remain in place, so your eyelashes are fuller. Some people don’t like the way they look with fewer eyelashes. The follicle release procedure lets you keep the eyelashes you have.
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How long does it take to recover from trichiasis treatment?
You may have swelling or some pain from treating misdirected eyelashes. Recovery time for surgery should be only a few days, but you may have to restrict your activities for a longer period of time.
What complications can occur from treating trichiasis?
Complications that may occur as a result of treating trichiasis include:
- Infection.
- Scarring.
- Depigmentation of skin (loss of skin color).
- Having eyelashes where some individual lashes are missing.
