Find Health Information:

Below are links to pages that speak to diseases, conditions, treatments and procedures that we commonly see in the field of retina specialty. While many of the diseases we treat or services we provide are not listed, we are continually adding to this section to provide further educational materials to improve your health care experience.

Eye Care Instructions for Trichiasis

What is trichiasis?

Trichiasis (say trik-eye-uh-sis) is an uncomfortable condition in which eyelashes grow toward the eye instead of away from the eye. The misdirected eyelashes scratch and irritate the outer surface of the eye. This may cause infection and scarring. Trichiasis may affect a few eyelashes or all the eyelashes on an eyelid.

What causes trichiasis?

The most common cause of trichiasis is scarring of the eyelid tissue. Such scarring can occur from eye infections, inflammation, skin disease, or from trauma and poor healing of the eyelid tissues. Trichiasis is generally secondary to previous infections and it is not clear if this is an active infection.

• Infections – Bacterial or viral eye infections may cause trichiasis.
• Infection of the eyelash follicle (lid margin disease)
• Infection of the lining of the eyelid (pinkeye)
• Infection caused by Chlamydia trachomatis
• Inflammation – Conditions that cause the eyelid to swell may lead to trichiasis if the eyelid becomes scarred, changing the direction eyelashes grow. Inflammation can result from, among other causes, autoimmune disorders (when the body attacks its own cells), a severe reaction to drugs, or infections.
• Skin disease – Trichiasis can be caused by a severe allergic skin reaction called Stevens-Johnson syndrome.
• Trauma – Trauma can cause the eyelashes to grow toward the eye. Trauma to the eyelid can result from injury, eye surgery, or burns.

What are the signs of trichiasis?

Trichiasis may cause
• A feeling like something is in the eye
• Tears to form in the eye
• Redness in the eye
• Sensitivity to light