NTWC Eye Service

FACT SHEET Trichiasis

Fact sheet – Trichiasis 01.09.2011

Introduction Trichiasis refers to eyelashes that grow in abnormal direction. Inward pointing eyelashes may cause eye discomfort such as foreign body sensation, pain, redness, tearing, eye discharge, photophobia and involuntary squeezing of lids. Corneal infection, scarring and blindness may occur in chronic untreated conditions. Trichiasis can be very difficult to treat, as recurrence is very common. Treatment of Trichiasis • For mild cases, lubricating eye gels, repeated epilation of the trichiasis and laser destruction of hair

follicle may be helpful. For severe or refractory cases, surgical correction can be attempted to permanently remove the trichiasis.

• Methods including cryotherapy, radiofrequency ablation and eyelid surgery are commonly used to treat trichiasis. These procedures can be employed alone or in combination.

• Depending on the type of operation, black marks, bolsters or stitches may appear temporarily on the eyelid after the surgery.

Possible Complications 1. Bruising 2. Lid Infection 3. Recurrence of disease 4. Lid scarring and distortion of eyelid contour 5. Skin depigmentation 6. Corneal injury *Please ask the doctor at your next appointment if you have any query. ____________________ ___________________________________ ________________ Signature of Patient Signature of Patient’s Parent/Guardian/Next of Kin Date ____________________ _______________________ Signature of Doctor Name in Block Letters (Doctor) ____________________ _______________________ _________________________________ Signature of Witness Name in Block Letters (Witness) Staff Rank if TMH Staff / HKID Card or Identity Document No. Of Third Party (Witness)