What is "distichia"

n. An eyelash that arises from an abnormal spot on the eyelid, usually exiting from the duct of the Meibomian gland at the eyelid margin.

A distichia is an eyelash that arises from an abnormal spot on the eyelid. This abnormality, attributed to a genetic mutation, is known to affect dogs and humans. Distichiae (the abnormal eyelash) usually exit from the duct of the meibomian gland at the eyelid margin. They are usually multiple and sometimes more than one arises from a duct. They can affect either the upper or lower eyelid and are usually bilateral. The lower eyelids of dogs usually have no eyelashes.

Distichiae usually cause no symptoms because the lashes are soft, but they can irritate the eye and cause tearing, squinting, inflammation, and corneal ulcers and scarring. Treatment options include manual removal, electrolysis, electrocautery, cryotherapy, and surgery.

Distichia is a genus of plants in the Juncaceae described as a genus in 1843.

The genus is endemic to South America.

1. Distichia acicularis Balslev & Laegaard - Ecuador
2. Distichia filamentosa Buchenau - Peru, Bolivia, N Chile
3. Distichia muscoides Nees & Meyen - Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, NW Argentina