If eyelashes keep getting in your eye you likely have a condition known as Trichiasis.
Trichiasis is the official name for a condition characterized by misdirected or abnormally positioned eyelashes.
Trichiasis, sometimes caused by entropion causes discomfort and irritation to the eye, and can lead to permanent damage to the cornea and vision loss.
You can get trichiasis after an eye infection, or because you've hurt your eye or eyelid.
Just getting older can also cause it, because your skin becomes less elastic as you age.
It's more common in adults, but children can get it, too.
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.
For temporary relief, the eyelashes can be plucked out (called epilation), but they usually grow back.
For more severe cases and for recurrent disease, our team of oculoplastic surgeons may recommend permanent removal of only the affected eyelash follicles using a special radiofrequency device.
Repeated, untreated infections over years build scarring on the inside of the eyelids and make the eyelashes turn in - a condition known as trichiasis.
This scrapes and irritates the cornea, compromises vision and eventually causes blindness.
Some treatments that can help with Trichiasis include.
Electrolysis.
This process uses electricity to permanently remove hair. While effective, electrolysis is time-consuming and can be painful.
Cryosurgery.
This removes the lashes and follicles by freezing them.
Cryosurgery is effective but has the potential for complications.
Trichiasis can be caused by injury, inflammation, and some eye conditions.
Like other ingrown hairs, eyelashes can also become trapped under the skin and grow inward.
This can cause symptoms similar to those of eye disorders, such as styes, which usually result from bacterial infection.