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Eyelid and Tearing Disorders

Overview of the Eyelids and Tears

Blepharitis

Blepharospasm

Canaliculitis

Chalazion and Stye (Hordeolum)

Dacryocystitis

Dacryostenosis

Entropion and Ectropion

Eyelid Growths

Trichiasis

ADDITIONAL CONTENT

The conjunctiva is the membrane that lines the eyelids and covers the white of the eye, and the cornea is the clear layer in front of the iris and pupil. Keratoconjunctivitis sicca is dryness of the conjunctiva and cornea. There are several causes of keratoconjunctivitis sicca. Which of the following is NOT one of the main causes of keratoconjunctivitis sicca?

Abnormal tear composition
Eyes being partly open for periods of time at night
Frequent eye-rubbing
Inadequate tear production

Trichiasis

By

James Garrity

, MD, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine

Last full review/revision Jul 2020| Content last modified Jul 2020

Click here for the Professional Version

Trichiasis is misalignment of eyelashes, which rub against the eyeball, in a person who does not have entropion.

Trichiasis develops most commonly some time after chronic blepharitis (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 (a condition in which the eyelid is turned inward) in that the eyelid position is normal.

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.

Symptoms and a doctor's examination

A doctor bases the diagnosis of trichiasis on the symptoms and examination findings.

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).

NOTE: This is the Consumer Version. DOCTORS: Click here for the Professional Version

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Eyelid Growths

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