What Causes Eyelashes to Turn Inward (Trichiasis)?
When eyelashes are positioned correctly, the eyelashes will never touch the front of the eye. However, in some cases, the eyelashes will turn inwards and touch to front of the eye. The two main conditions which cause eyelashes to turn inwards are trichiasis and entropion.
Function of Healthy Eyelashes
Eyelashes are a protective mechanism for the eyes. The eyelashes are designed to flush debris and loose material away from the eyes and towards the eyebrow or the cheek.
When blinking, the eyelashes move along with the eyelid to prevent debris from entering the eye and when the eyes are open, the eyelashes are a physical barrier to the eye from the eyebrow and forehead.
Proper positioning of the eyelashes is key for these protective functions to work appropriately.
Problems with Eyelashes
While eyelashes typically grow in a standard pattern away from the surface of the eye and towards the eyebrow, there is a condition known as trichiasis in which the eyelashes, or at least some of the eyelashes will grow in the opposite direction.
Trichiasis can be congenital or acquired and is often a chronic or recurring issue.
If the entire eyelid begins to turn in towards the surface of the eye, the eyelashes will be misdirected towards the eye.
This condition is known as entropion and is a serious condition which is usually caused by aging changes or a disease process.
Eyelashes with Trichiasis
If trichiasis develops, the eyelashes will grow in an abnormal direction, usually downwards.
When the eyelashes are growing downwards or in other abnormal directions, the eyelashes can begin to cause irritation as the eyelashes touch the front of the eye.
The biggest concerns with trichiasis are chronic eye irritation, risk of scarring the front of the eye, and a change in the appearance of the eyes and eyelashes.
If trichiasis goes on without treatment or intervention, the eyelash that is directed towards the front of the eye may cause a corneal abrasion and result in a corneal scar.
Treatments for Trichiasis
To treat trichiasis, the most common option is the epilate, or pluck, the eyelash or eyelashes that are misdirected.
If the eyelash or eyelashes have not been misdirected previously, it is likely that the eyelashes will grow back with the typical pattern and the trichiasis will be resolved.
However, if the trichiasis is recurrent, additional methods may be used to help prevent the eyelashes from turning into the front of the eye such as wearing a contact lens or repeated epilation.
Eyelashes with Entropion
Similar to trichiasis, entropion can cause the eyelashes to become directed towards the front of the eyes.
Unlike trichiasis, entropion involves the entire eyelid turning inwards.
Entropion most often affects the lower eyelid and can be very subtle or very drastic in appearance.
When entropion occurs, most of the eyelashes will become directed towards the front of the eye and can cause extreme pain and significant damage.
Treatment for Entropion
Entropion is most often corrected with a surgical procedure to the eyelid itself. By adjusting the eyelid, the entropion will be negated, and the eyelashes will again point away from the eye.
If the entropion is not severe, epilation or taping of the eyelid may be used to relieve the symptoms of entropion.
Our eye doctors at GHEye excel in prescription of glasses, contact lenses and the diagnosis of a variety of eye diseases. Call our optometrists at (571) 445-3692 to schedule your appointment today, especially if you are experiencing trichiasis or entropion. Our eye doctors, Dr. Ally Stoeger and Dr. Jennifer Sun provide the highest quality optometry services and eye exams in the Gainesville VA and Haymarket VA areas.
When eyelashes are positioned correctly, the eyelashes will never touch the front of the eye. However, in some cases, the eyelashes will turn inwards and touch to front of the eye. The two main conditions which cause eyelashes to turn inwards are trichiasis and entropion.
Function of Healthy Eyelashes
Eyelashes are a protective mechanism for the eyes. The eyelashes are designed to flush debris and loose material away from the eyes and towards the eyebrow or the cheek.
When blinking, the eyelashes move along with the eyelid to prevent debris from entering the eye and when the eyes are open, the eyelashes are a physical barrier to the eye from the eyebrow and forehead.
Proper positioning of the eyelashes is key for these protective functions to work appropriately.
Problems with Eyelashes
While eyelashes typically grow in a standard pattern away from the surface of the eye and towards the eyebrow, there is a condition known as trichiasis in which the eyelashes, or at least some of the eyelashes will grow in the opposite direction.
Trichiasis can be congenital or acquired and is often a chronic or recurring issue.
If the entire eyelid begins to turn in towards the surface of the eye, the eyelashes will be misdirected towards the eye.
This condition is known as entropion and is a serious condition which is usually caused by aging changes or a disease process.
Eyelashes with Trichiasis
If trichiasis develops, the eyelashes will grow in an abnormal direction, usually downwards.
When the eyelashes are growing downwards or in other abnormal directions, the eyelashes can begin to cause irritation as the eyelashes touch the front of the eye.
The biggest concerns with trichiasis are chronic eye irritation, risk of scarring the front of the eye, and a change in the appearance of the eyes and eyelashes.
If trichiasis goes on without treatment or intervention, the eyelash that is directed towards the front of the eye may cause a corneal abrasion and result in a corneal scar.
Treatments for Trichiasis
To treat trichiasis, the most common option is the epilate, or pluck, the eyelash or eyelashes that are misdirected.
If the eyelash or eyelashes have not been misdirected previously, it is likely that the eyelashes will grow back with the typical pattern and the trichiasis will be resolved.
However, if the trichiasis is recurrent, additional methods may be used to help prevent the eyelashes from turning into the front of the eye such as wearing a contact lens or repeated epilation.
Eyelashes with Entropion
Similar to trichiasis, entropion can cause the eyelashes to become directed towards the front of the eyes.
Unlike trichiasis, entropion involves the entire eyelid turning inwards.
Entropion most often affects the lower eyelid and can be very subtle or very drastic in appearance.
When entropion occurs, most of the eyelashes will become directed towards the front of the eye and can cause extreme pain and significant damage.
Treatment for Entropion
Entropion is most often corrected with a surgical procedure to the eyelid itself. By adjusting the eyelid, the entropion will be negated, and the eyelashes will again point away from the eye.
If the entropion is not severe, epilation or taping of the eyelid may be used to relieve the symptoms of entropion.