Trichiasis: symptoms, causes, treatment, etc. & bull; hello healthy

Definition

What is triiasis?

Trichiasis is a condition in which the eyelashes grow in the wrong direction, namely towards the eyeball. This can happen to the hairs all over the eyelid, or only part of the eye.

Because it grows incorrectly, it irritates the eyeball and surrounding skin, and can even cause pain and wateriness.

The condition of your eyelashes growing in the wrong direction can be the result of injury, inflammation (inflammation), and other problems with your eye or your overall health.

In severe enough conditions, the lashes that hit the eyeball have the potential to cause injury and vision problems.

Unfortunately, it is very difficult to find a treatment or treatment that can completely cure trichiasis. Treatment and treatment generally depends on the anatomical abnormality that causes misdirection of the lashes.

How common is trichiasis?

Trichiasis is a rare eye condition. The exact number of cases occurring is not known with certainty. However, mild types of trichiasis that occur only on a portion of the eyelashes are quite common.

Another case with the type that occurs in all parts of the eyelid. This condition is much less common, and is usually found in countries with trachoma outbreaks, such as countries in Africa and the Middle East.

This eye disorder can occur in individuals of any age. However, this condition is far more common in adults than in children. Epiblepharon, one of the causes of trichiasis, is found mainly in children, especially those of Asian descent.

This condition can be controlled by recognizing the existing risk factors. To find out more information regarding this condition, you can consult your doctor.

Signs & symptoms

What are the signs and symptoms of trichiasis?

The most common signs and symptoms of trichiasis are that you feel something sticking and annoying in the eyeball.

If you look closely, you will find how your lashes are growing in the wrong direction. This condition generally can occur in all parts of the eyelashes, or only part of it.

Some of the other common signs and symptoms are:

• Red eyes
• The skin around the eyes is also red
• More sensitive to light (photophobia)
• The eyes water more easily
• Itching or pain in the eye

You may also experience blurred vision. If left untreated and not treated immediately, this condition can cause eye problems.

Eyelashes rubbing against the cornea for a long time can cause Korean abrasion or even corneal ulcers.

There may be some signs and symptoms not listed above. If you have concerns about certain symptoms, consult a doctor as soon as possible.

When should I see a doctor?

If you have any signs or symptoms above or any other questions, please consult your doctor.

Each sufferer's body shows signs and symptoms that vary. To get the most appropriate treatment and according to your health condition, always consult a doctor or the nearest health service center.

Cause

What causes trichiasis?

Trichiasis is a condition that can happen to anyone, although it is more common in adults. The condition of the eyelashes growing in the wrong direction can be caused by a number of things, from eye infections, problems with the body's immune system, to trauma to the eye.

The following are some of the most common causes of trichiasis:

1. Infection

One of the most common causes of misdirected lashes is infections, such as trachoma and shingles.

Trachoma is a bacterial infection that occurs in the eye. This condition is caused by bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis . This condition has the potential to cause the lashes to grow in an unnatural direction.

Meanwhile, shingles is a viral infection of the eye. As with trachoma, infection with the shingles virus can affect the direction of eyelash growth.

2. Trauma to the eye

Eyes that have been traumatized by an incident or have undergone certain procedures are likely to have unusual lash growths.

One of the causes of trauma to the eye is burns to the eyelids. In addition, postoperative wounds and exposure to chemicals, such as lye and glaucoma drops, can cause abnormal lash growth.

3. Autoimmune disease

Several autoimmune diseases, such as ocular pemphigoid and Stevens-Johnson syndrome also play a role in the development of this condition.

Ocular pemphigoid occurs when the conjunctiva of the eye has problems with its mucous membranes. Meanwhile, Stevens-Johnson syndrome causes acute damage to the lining of the conjunctiva and injury to the eyelids.

4. Epiblepharon

Epiblepharon is a condition when the crease of the eyelid has an abnormal shape, causing the upper lashes to grow in an unnatural direction. This condition is quite common in children, especially those from Asian racial groups.

5. Inflammation

Inflammation that occurs around the eyes can also cause abnormalities in the direction of eyelash growth. Some of them are blepharitis and vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC).

Blepharitis is a chronic condition that causes inflammation and irritation of the eyelids. The skin on the eyelids can peel, turn red, and produce mucus that contains bacteria.

Meanwhile, vernal keratoconjunctivitis is an allergic eye reaction, which generally occurs in boys. This condition has the potential to cause lashes to grow in the wrong direction.

Risk factors

What increases my risk of developing trichiasis?

Trichiasis is a condition that can happen to anyone, regardless of age group and racial group. However, there are several factors that can increase a person's risk of experiencing this condition.

Having one or more risk factors does not mean you will definitely experience this condition. In some rare cases, it is also possible for a person to experience this condition even though he does not have any of the risk factors.

The following are risk factors that lead to eyelash growth disorders:

1. Age

This disease is more common in adult patients than in children. However, in some cases of trichiasis caused by epiblepharon, this condition is more common in children.

2. Race

Eyelash growth disorders associated with epiblepharon are more common in people of Asian descent. If you are of descent or come from an Asian racial group, your chances of experiencing this condition are greater.

3. Experiencing trauma to the eye

If you have had surgery on your eye, have burns on your eyelids, or have been exposed to certain chemicals in your eyes, your risk of developing abnormal eyelash growth is much higher.

4. Suffering from autoimmune diseases

The body with a problematic immune system tends to be more susceptible to this condition. Some of the autoimmune diseases associated with this condition are Stevens-Johnson syndrome and pemphigoid.

5. Having a bacterial or viral infection

Inflammation caused by a bacterial or viral infection can lead to errors in the direction of the lashes. Some of the pathogens that play a role in this condition are the herpes zoster virus and C. trachomatis.

Diagnosis & treatment

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.

How is trichiasis diagnosed?

If you experience the symptoms mentioned above, or you experience complications such as infection and eye irritation, consult a doctor immediately.

The doctor will do a thorough examination. One way this is done is to use slip-lamp at the front of the eye. This method is done to see how much triciasis affects your lids and lashes.

In addition, this method can also help doctors identify the causes and eliminate the possibility of other health problems.

How is trichiasis treated?

The main treatment and treatment for trichiasis is surgical or surgical procedures. This is done because eyelash growth disorders cannot be treated with regular medication.

Pulling out eyelashes with tweezers is not effective in treating this condition because it is possible that the lashes will still grow towards the eyeball.

The goal of surgery is to improve the quality of life and alleviate the symptoms, without affecting the patient's visual acuity. The surgery generally involves removing the lashes permanently. Before surgery, the doctor will give you a local anesthetic first.

The following types of surgery are recommended:

1. Electrolysis

This method is done using electricity. The goal is to remove eyelashes permanently. Although the percentage of success is high, this method is time consuming and sometimes painful.

2. Eyelash and follicle repositioning surgery

This operation is performed by correcting the position of the eyelashes and follicles.

3. Cryosurgery

This procedure aims to completely remove eyelashes, even down to the hair follicles. The way that is done is by freezing. This technique is considered effective, but has the potential to cause certain complications.

Apart from surgery, lubricants, such as artificial tears and ointments, can reduce the irritating effect of friction on the lashes. If there is an autoimmune disease (such as pemphigoid and Stevens-Johnson syndrome) that causes this condition, medical therapy must be performed.

In some cases, doxycycline has been successful in suppressing contractile fibroblasts in patients with trachoma and has proposed doxycycline as a treatment to prevent recurrence of trichiasis after surgery.

Home remedies

What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies that can be done to treat trichiasis?

Here are some lifestyle and home remedies that can help you deal with trichiasis:

1. Using household ingredients

You can treat redness and irritation in the eyes by using a warm compress for 10 minutes. Apart from that, you can also use natural ingredients such as aloe vera, coconut oil, honey, and cucumber.

Applying aloe vera to the eyelids can have a calming effect. You can also use cold cucumber slices as a compress for the eyes.

2. Knowing information about disease

The best way to prevent trichiasis is to always seek information about this condition. If left untreated, this condition has the potential to become a serious problem and endanger eye health.

By always paying attention to the symptoms that appear, you can avoid side effects on your eyes. Even if all you have is mild blepharitis, if the condition becomes chronic and recurs, eye problems can get worse.

3. Seek medical help as soon as possible

If you think you have any of the symptoms listed above, seek medical help immediately to avoid further irritation of the eye.

If you have any questions, consult your doctor for the best solution to your problem.