Ingrowing Eyelashes (Trichiasis)

An 82 year old patient with ingrowing eyelashes. Ingrowing eyeashes or Trichiasis occurs when the lashes turn inwards and begin to rub on the eyelid. This often causes pain and irritation and sometimes the skin around the eyelid can become at risk of infection. Common causes are trauma to the skin around the eyelid such as a burn injury, and also inflammation (blepharitis). Eyelashes can be plucked out as a temporary measure but for a more permanent solution lid surgery or radio surgery (radio waves destroy the hair at the root) can be performed.