Misdirected eyelashes, a condition known as trichiasis, refers to misdirected or abnormally positioned eyelashes. If you have misdirected lashes, the chances are they grow towards your eyes instead of outwards. For many, the result is painful as the lashes rub against your cornea and the inner surface of your eyelids, irritating your eyes.
There are a few ways misdirected eyelashes occur, including the following:
In addition, there are a few risk factors that may increase your chances of developing this uncomfortable condition, including:
If you have misdirected eyelashes, you might experience one or more of the following symptoms:
In addition to these symptoms, misdirected eyelashes may also result in the following complications:
If you’re experiencing symptoms of trichiasis, contact your health care provider for a proper diagnosis. During your appointment, your doctor will run through your medical history and perform a clinical exam to check for common eye conditions potentially responsible for your misdirected eyelashes. Some of these conditions include:
While examining your eyes, your doctor will use magnifying glasses and may invert your upper lashes to check for signs of blepharitis and what direction your lashes are growing.
If you’re diagnosed with trichiasis, your doctor will discuss potential treatment options that may include the following:
Unfortunately, there are no known ways to prevent trichiasis. However, there are treatment options available to help protect your eyes’ health by removing or repositioning your lashes. Once treated, many patients experience an improved quality of overall health.