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Trichiasis
is misalignment of eyelashes, which rub against the eyeball, in
a person who does not have entropion.
The cause of trichiasis is usually unknown. The eye becomes red and irritated, has a foreign body sensation, and develops tearing and sensitivity and sometimes pain when exposed to light. If the condition persists, scarring can occur. A doctor bases the diagnosis on the symptoms and an examination. Trichiasis differs from entropion in that the eyelid position is normal. An eye doctor can remove the eyelashes with forceps. If eyelashes grow back, other methods can be used to remove them, such as electrolysis or cryosurgery (use of extreme cold to destroy the hair follicle).
Last full review/revision November 2007 by James Garrity, MD
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