Trichiasis / Misdirected Lashes
Also known as Misdirected Eyelashes, Inturned Lashes, Lashes Rubbing the Eye, Trachomatous Trichiasis, Eyelash Trichiasis
Bottom Line
Trichiasis means eyelashes grow or point toward the eye. The lashes can scratch the cornea, causing pain, redness, light sensitivity, infection, or scarring.
Trichiasis happens when eyelashes touch the eye surface. It can come from eyelid inflammation, scarring, injury, surgery, trachoma, or eyelid turning inward 1.
Symptoms include a scratchy feeling, tearing, redness, light sensitivity, and blurry vision. Even a few misdirected lashes can cause corneal scratches.
Treatment may be lash removal, electrolysis, freezing treatment, laser treatment, or eyelid surgery. The best choice depends on how many lashes are involved and why they turned inward 2.
Causes
Common causes include blepharitis, styes, eyelid scarring, burns, injury, surgery, and entropion. Trachoma is a major cause in parts of the world where the infection is common.
The cause matters because single misdirected lashes are treated differently from a whole eyelid that has turned inward.
Treatment
A doctor may remove a rubbing lash in the office. This gives relief, but the lash often grows back.
For repeated trichiasis, treatment may destroy the lash root with electricity, freezing, or laser. If the lid itself turns inward, eyelid surgery may be needed 3.
Why Not Keep Plucking at Home
Plucking can scratch the eye or break the lash. It also does not fix the direction of new growth.
If a lash is rubbing the eye again and again, a slit-lamp exam can check for corneal damage and plan a lasting fix.
Common Questions About Trichiasis
Next Steps
- 1Avoid rubbing the eye or trying to cut lashes near the eye.
- 2Use preservative-free artificial tears for comfort while waiting for care.
- 3Book an eye exam if a lash keeps rubbing, scratching, or making the eye red.
- 4Seek urgent eye care for severe pain, light sensitivity, white corneal spot, or vision loss.
- 5Ask whether a longer-term lash-root treatment or eyelid repair is needed.
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