Trichiasis develops most commonly some time after chronic blepharitis Blepharitis Blepharitis is inflammation of the edges of the eyelids, possibly with thickening scales, crusts, shallow ulcers, or redness and swelling at the edges of the eyelids. The inflammation is caused... read more 
(inflammation of the edges of the eyelids) or injury or damage to the eyelid or conjunctiva. Some people are born with an extra eyelid skinfold (epiblepharon) that causes the eyelashes to grow straight up into the eye or with an extra row of eyelashes (distichiasis).
Trichiasis differs from entropion Entropion and Ectropion Entropion is a condition in which the eyelid is turned inward (inverted), causing the eyelashes to rub against the eyeball. Ectropion is a condition in which the eyelid is turned outward (everted)... read more 
(a condition in which the eyelid is turned inward) in that the eyelid position is normal.
Symptoms of Trichiasis
In people with trichiasis, the eye becomes red and irritated, feels as though something is in it (foreign body sensation), and develops tearing and sensitivity and sometimes pain when exposed to light. If the condition persists, scarring of the cornea can occur and affect vision.
Diagnosis of Trichiasis
Symptoms and a doctor's examination
A doctor bases the diagnosis of trichiasis on the symptoms and examination findings.
Treatment of Trichiasis
Removal of eyelashes
In people with trichiasis, an eye doctor can remove the eyelashes with forceps. If eyelashes grow back, other methods can be used to remove them, such as electrolysis (use of heat and electrical current to destroy the hair follicle) or cryosurgery (use of extreme cold to destroy the hair follicle).
