How to deal with inverted eyelashes

Written by Li Zhuo
Ophthalmology
Updated on September 29, 2024
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For trichiasis, it first depends on the nature of the ingrown eyelashes. If there are only a few, such as one or two, it is recommended to pluck them out. For some people, once these are plucked, the new eyelashes may grow back in the correct position, so no further treatment is necessary.

If the ingrown eyelashes recur repeatedly as individual lashes, electrolysis of the hair follicle can be performed to destroy the follicle, preventing the eyelashes from growing back. However, because this is a destructive procedure, many hospitals have discontinued it, though some still offer this treatment.

If there are many ingrown eyelashes, appearing in rows, the treatment depends on the position of the eyelid. Eyelash correction surgery may be necessary. Depending on the specific situation, excision of the tarsal plate to correct the trichiasis can be considered as well.

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Written by Li Zhen Dong
Ophthalmology
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Can inverted eyelashes be plucked out?

Ingrown eyelashes should not be plucked, as this can cause the new eyelashes to grow back thicker and harder, leading to more severe damage to the conjunctiva and cornea. If there are only a few, electrolysis treatment for the eyelashes is possible. If the condition is severe, surgical treatment to correct the ingrown eyelashes is entirely feasible. During this period, using eye drops such as levofloxacin eye drops and sodium hyaluronate eye drops can be beneficial. Do not apply heat, monitor your vision, and have regular check-ups. Eat a light diet and avoid spicy and irritating foods. (Note: The use of medications should be under the guidance of a professional doctor.)

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Written by Li Zhen Dong
Ophthalmology
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Does trichiasis need to be corrected?

Trichiasis must be treated because it can cause damage to the conjunctiva and cornea. Damage to the cornea can lead to unnecessary corneal inflammation, thinning of the cornea, spotty opacity, scarring, and neovascularization, seriously affecting vision. Therefore, proactive treatment is essential. If there are only a few lashes involved in trichiasis, electrolysis can be used for treatment. If there are many lashes involved, surgical treatment is necessary. During this period, anti-inflammatory eye drops should be used, such as levofloxacin eye drops and erythromycin eye ointment, along with eye drops that protect the corneal epithelium, such as sodium hyaluronate and calf blood deproteinized extract drops. With these treatments, complete recovery is possible. (Please use medication under the guidance of a doctor)

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Written by Tao Yuan
Ophthalmology
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Why did a trichiasis suddenly grow?

A sudden formation of an ingrown eyelash is usually due to chronic inflammation in the eyelid margin area, which causes abnormalities in the eyelash follicles. Consequently, the direction of the eyelash growth no longer points straight forward but instead grows toward the eyeball. As the eyeball moves and blinks, the eyelash rubs against the corneal epithelium, causing noticeable symptoms such as a foreign body sensation, stabbing pain, congestion, redness, photophobia, tearing, and a decline in vision. One can visit the ophthalmology department of a hospital for a face-to-face examination and confirmation of the condition. Removing the ingrown eyelash can alleviate the symptoms, but recurrence is possible. If it recurs repeatedly, electrolysis treatment for ingrown eyelashes can be considered. This involves inserting a specially designed probe deep into the follicle of the ingrown eyelash and then passing an electric current through it. The electric current will destroy the follicle of the ingrown eyelash, making it less likely to recur.

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Written by Wang Fang
Ophthalmology
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Can trichiasis be treated without surgery?

Whether surgery is needed for inverted eyelashes depends on the specific situation. If it is just one or a few eyelashes irritating the eyeball and the symptoms are not significant, you can choose the local electrolysis method to destroy the hair follicles of these eyelashes, preventing their regrowth. This will not affect the appearance and can fundamentally solve the problem. However, if there are a large number of inverted eyelashes causing significant irritation to the eyeball, surgery is recommended for correction. Without surgery, long-term irritation from the eyelashes could cause irreversible damage to the eye, such as scarring or ulcers on the cornea, which could eventually affect vision. Some patients might intermittently pull out the eyelashes, but this is not advisable, as the eyelashes will grow back.

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Written by Wang Fang
Ophthalmology
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Will trichiasis cause the eyes to tear?

Trichiasis can cause the eyes to tear. Patients with trichiasis exhibit significant tearing symptoms because the cornea is rich in nerve endings and is very sensitive to foreign stimuli. In trichiasis, the eyelashes poke and irritate the cornea, thus stimulating the nerve endings and causing reflex tearing. Therefore, patients with trichiasis should be treated promptly to avoid irreversible damage to the cornea, such as scars or corneal ulcers. For minor trichiasis, local electrolysis can be used to destroy the hair follicles so they no longer grow; for more severe cases, it is recommended to visit a hospital for surgical correction of the trichiasis.