What is "trichiasis"

Trichiasis \Tri*chi"a*sis\, n. [NL., fr. Gr. ?, fr. tri`x, tricho`s, hair.] (Med.) A disease of the eye, in which the eyelashes, being turned in upon the eyeball, produce constant irritation by the motion of the lids.

n. (context medicine English) Ingrown eyelash.

Trichiasis is a medical term for abnormally positioned eyelashes that grow back toward the eye, touching the cornea or conjunctiva. This can be caused by infection, inflammation, autoimmune conditions, congenital defects, eyelid agenesis and trauma such as burns or eyelid injury.

Standard treatment involves removal or destruction of the affected eyelashes with electrology, specialized laser, or surgery. In many cases, removal of the affected eyelashes with forceps resolves the symptoms, although the problem often recurs in a few weeks when the eyelashes regrow. Severe cases may cause scarring of the cornea and lead to vision loss if untreated. Mild cases may not require treatment.

Repeated cases of trachoma infection may cause trichiasis.

Posterior misdirection of normal lashes most frequently affects lower lid.