Treatment of trichiasis by releasing follicle roots of eyelashes: a new technique

Abstract

Trichiasis is an acquired condition in which eyelashes are misdirected toward the ocular surface, resulting in eye irritation and ocular morbidities. Different treatment modalities have been described, including surgical and non-surgical methods. The goal of this article is to present a novel technique for treatment of trichiasis, with a brief review of treatment options. Through a supratarsal incision, each misdirected eyelash follicle root was reached and freed from surrounding tissues by meticulous dissection. Then, hair shafts on the lid margin were redirected upward and glued to 2 bars extending horizontally across the upper eyelid. Two years after operation, the corrected eyelashes maintained their normal upward direction. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of chronic trichiasis treated by this technique. The main advantage of the technique, unlike most of the other treatment methods, is that follicles of the affected eyelashes are not removed or destroyed, which is appreciated from the aesthetic point of view, especially in female patients. We believe that any plastic surgeon with basic knowledge of blepharoplasty and hair transplantation can perform this technique without much difficulty. So far, there is no recurrence; however, long-term follow-up with a large series of patients is required for drawing better conclusions.