Does trichiasis require a fundus examination?

Written by Zheng Xin
Ophthalmology
Updated on September 13, 2024
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Trichiasis refers to a condition where the eyelashes grow inward toward the eyeball, a sign related to the eye. Common symptoms include a foreign body sensation in the eye, photophobia, tearing, and even eye pain. Generally, an ophthalmologist can confirm the diagnosis with an examination under a slit lamp microscope. Therefore, it is not necessary to perform a fundus examination for trichiasis; a diagnosis can be clearly established just by using a slit lamp microscope examination.

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Does removing inverted eyelashes have any impact on the eyes?

After removing the misdirected eyelashes, it generally does not significantly affect the eyes. However, if they regrow after being plucked, they tend to be harder than before. Repeated plucking can cause inflammation of the eyelid and conjunctiva, long-term abrasion of the cornea, and may lead to the formation of new blood vessels in the cornea. Sometimes, it can also lead to corneal vascularization. Therefore, plucking is not advised. If there are only a few eyelashes, electrolysis can be performed; if there are many, surgical correction is possible, and generally, the results of the surgery are quite good. In such cases, it is advisable to use anti-inflammatory eye drops and eye drops that protect the corneal epithelium, such as levofloxacin and sodium hyaluronate eye drops. (Please consult a doctor before using any medication.)

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Entropion usually falls under the ophthalmology department.

Trichiasis should be treated by an ophthalmologist. Trichiasis is an eye condition caused by the tension factors of the eyelid's soft tissue, leading to the eyelashes attaching to or poking the surface of the eyeball, causing discomfort in the eyes. Depending on the severity of the condition, the following treatments can generally be chosen: First, if it is just a few lashes, electrolysis can be performed on these eyelashes. Electrolysis can destroy the few lashes stimulating the eyeball, preventing their regrowth and thereby relieving trichiasis. Second, if there are a larger number of lashes involved, trichiasis correction surgery should be chosen, which is a surgical treatment. After the surgery, the eyelashes can be made to turn outward, no longer irritating the eyeball.

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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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Ophthalmology
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What will happen if trichiasis is not treated?

If trichiasis is not treated and allowed to progress, it can cause damage to the conjunctiva and the cornea. Particularly, corneal damage can lead to keratitis and corneal neovascularization, severely affecting vision and the transparency of the cornea. During treatment, if scarring occurs, such as thin corneal opacities, plaques, or leukomas, it can severely affect vision, and even lead to blindness. Therefore, while trichiasis itself is not severe, not treating it can lead to serious consequences. Currently, the main treatments for trichiasis include electrolysis of the eyelashes and surgical treatment, along with the use of eye drops, which generally results in a quick recovery.

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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.