Can people with trichiasis undergo myopia surgery?

Written by Li Zhen Dong
Ophthalmology
Updated on September 11, 2024
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Generally, people with trichiasis should not undergo myopia surgery, as trichiasis primarily affects the eyeball. It causes abrasion to the cornea, affects the corneal epithelium, and can lead to neovascularization of the cornea and corneal pathology.

Following the occurrence of trichiasis, surgical treatment should be considered. If there are only a few ingrown lashes, electrolysis of the eyelashes might be performed. After active treatment and once the condition has stabilized, the possibility of undergoing myopia surgery can be considered. Current options for myopia surgery include corneal laser reshaping surgery and ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens) surgery.

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Written by Tao Yuan
Ophthalmology
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What should I do if trachoma causes entropion and trichiasis?

Trachoma is a common ophthalmic disease caused by Chlamydia infection of the conjunctival tissue of the eye, resulting in inflammation. Trachoma can lead to substantial scarring of the conjunctiva. As scar tissue contracts, it can cause the eyelids to curl towards the eyeball, leading to entropion and trichiasis. Initially, it is necessary to use antibiotic eye drops to eliminate the Chlamydia infection and prevent the condition from worsening. Commonly used treatments include Levofloxacin eye drops, Rifampicin eye drops, and Sulfacetamide Sodium eye drops. Once the infection is completely eliminated, surgical correction of the entropion can be performed to alleviate the irritation caused by trichiasis to the patient's eyeball. (Please use medication under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Li Zhen Dong
Ophthalmology
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Can trichiasis cause corneal damage?

If trichiasis persists in rubbing against the cornea, it will cause damage to the cornea. Long-term abrasion can lead to corneal neovascularization, damage the corneal epithelium, and leave opacity, sometimes forming speckled opacity or even leukoplakia, severely affecting vision. Once trichiasis occurs, active treatment is necessary. If there are only a few lashes involved, electrolysis of the eyelashes can be done; if there are many, surgery is essential. The surgery for trichiasis is generally successful, fully capable of correcting the condition, protecting the cornea, preserving vision, and alleviating the symptoms of the patient.

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Written by Li Zhen Dong
Ophthalmology
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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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Written by Li Zhen Dong
Ophthalmology
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If trichiasis is not treated for a long time, what are the consequences?

If trichiasis is not actively treated, or is left untreated for a long period of time, it can lead to inflammation of the conjunctiva. If the cornea becomes inflamed, it can severely affect vision. The occurrence of keratitis can lead to the formation of corneal ulcers and corneal perforation, which can result in blindness. Furthermore, even if the keratitis heals, it can cause varying degrees of corneal opacities such as nebula, macula, and leucoma, which also severely affect vision. Another issue is the growth of new blood vessels on the cornea, which decreases corneal transparency and affects vision. Thus, although trichiasis may seem a minor issue, the consequences of not treating it actively can be very severe.

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Written by Tao Yuan
Ophthalmology
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Is it better to open the eye corner for inverted eyelashes?

Patients cannot be cured of trichiasis by undergoing canthoplasty. Symptoms of trichiasis generally do not improve after canthoplasty, as trichiasis is usually caused by the abnormal growth direction of the eyelashes at the edge of the eyelid towards the cornea, or by spasm of the orbicularis oculi muscle, causing the eyelid edge to roll towards the eyeball. Trichiasis can injure the corneal tissue, leading to eye congestion, redness, foreign body sensation, pain, photophobia, and tearing. For a small amount of trichiasis, the lashes can be plucked with tweezers, but this often recurs. If trichiasis recurs frequently, electrolysis treatment can be performed to destroy the follicles growing the ingrown lashes, thereby minimizing recurrence. For a large amount of trichiasis caused by entropion, surgical treatment is needed to correct the entropion for a cure.