Trichiasis (Ingrown Eyelash): Causes, Symptoms & Treatment 2025

Trichiasis, also known as an ingrown eyelash, happens when your eyelashes grow in the wrong direction, turning inward toward your eye instead of outward. This can cause irritation, redness, watery eyes, and even damage to the cornea if left untreated. While it may sound minor, untreated trichiasis can lead to serious eye problems. This guide covers everything you need to know—causes, symptoms, treatment options, home remedies, and prevention tips.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. If you suspect you have trichiasis or are experiencing severe eye discomfort, consult a qualified ophthalmologist or eye care professional immediately.

What is Trichiasis (Ingrown Eyelash)?

Imagine having a tiny eyelash acting like a splinter inside your eye. Annoying, right? That’s exactly what trichiasis feels like. It’s a condition where your eyelashes grow inward toward your eyeball instead of outward, scratching the cornea and causing discomfort. Unlike just having something in your eye, trichiasis doesn’t go away on its own because the lash keeps growing in the wrong direction.

It can affect just one lash or multiple lashes, and it usually impacts the lower eyelid more often than the upper eyelid. Some people experience it in one eye, while others might have it in both.

Causes of Trichiasis

So, why does this happen? Eyelashes are supposed to grow outward, protecting your eyes from dust, debris, and sweat. But sometimes, things go wrong. Here are the main culprits:

1. Chronic Eye Infections

Repeated eye infections like blepharitis (eyelid inflammation) or conjunctivitis can damage hair follicles, making lashes grow abnormally.

2. Trauma or Injury

A previous injury to the eyelid—maybe from an accident, surgery, or even excessive rubbing—can cause scarring. That scar tissue may redirect how lashes grow.

3. Autoimmune Conditions

Diseases like Stevens-Johnson syndrome or ocular cicatricial pemphigoid can damage eyelids, leading to trichiasis.

4. Eye Inflammation

Long-term inflammation of the eyelids or surrounding tissues may gradually alter lash direction.

5. Aging

As we age, eyelid tissues loosen, and lashes may start turning inward.

6. Unknown Causes

Sometimes, it just happens without a clear reason. Doctors call this idiopathic trichiasis.

Symptoms of Trichiasis

You’ll probably notice trichiasis pretty quickly because it feels like something is always in your eye. Common symptoms include:

• Eye redness (constant irritation from lashes rubbing the eye)
• Excessive tearing (your eye trying to flush out the irritation)
• Foreign body sensation (like sand or grit stuck inside)
• Light sensitivity (photophobia)
• Blurred vision (if the cornea is scratched)
• Pain and discomfort (worsens over time)

If untreated, repeated scratching can cause corneal ulcers, infections, or even vision loss. That’s why it’s not something to ignore, and you should immediately consult an ophthalmologist.

How is Trichiasis Diagnosed?

Diagnosis is simple and quick. An eye doctor will use a slit-lamp microscope to examine your eyelids and lashes. This allows them to see which lashes are misdirected and check if your cornea has been damaged.

Treatment Options for Trichiasis

Here’s where things get interesting. Treatment depends on how many lashes are involved and how severe the condition is. Let’s break it down:

1. Temporary Fixes

• Epilation (lash removal): The doctor uses special forceps to pluck the misdirected lashes. Sounds simple, right? The downside is that lashes grow back within weeks.
• Lubricating eye drops/ointments: Help reduce irritation, but don’t solve the root problem.

2. Semi-Permanent Options

• Electrolysis: A tiny electrical current destroys the lash follicle so it won’t regrow. Effective but time-consuming.
• Cryotherapy (freezing): The follicle is frozen and destroyed. This works well but may cause lid swelling or scarring.

3. Surgical Treatments

• Lash rotation surgery: The lashes are surgically repositioned outward.
• Eyelid surgery (entropion repair): If the whole eyelid is turning inward, surgery fixes the lid structure itself.
• Radiofrequency ablation: A precise method that destroys lash follicles with heat energy.

4. Home Remedies (For Mild Relief Only)

These won’t fix the problem but may soothe symptoms until you see a doctor:

• Warm compresses to reduce irritation.
• Artificial tears to keep eyes moist.
• Avoid rubbing your eyes—it makes things worse.

Complications of Untreated Trichiasis

Ignoring trichiasis is risky. Continuous scratching of the cornea can lead to:

• Corneal abrasions (tiny scratches)
• Corneal ulcers (open sores)
• Eye infections
• Permanent scarring
• Vision impairment or blindness

So yes, that little eyelash can cause big problems if left untreated.

Prevention Tips

While not every case can be prevented, you can reduce your risk:

• Treat eye infections promptly.
• Avoid rubbing your eyes excessively.
• Use protective eyewear in dusty or hazardous environments.
• Get regular eye checkups, especially if you’ve had eyelid injuries.

FAQs about Trichiasis (Ingrown Eyelash)

Q1: Can I remove an ingrown eyelash myself at home?

You might be tempted, but it’s not recommended. Removing it incorrectly can damage your eyelid or cornea. Always let an eye doctor do it safely.

Q2: Will trichiasis go away on its own?

Unfortunately, no. The lash will keep growing in the wrong direction unless treated.

Q3: Is trichiasis the same as entropion?

No. Trichiasis is when lashes grow inward, while entropion is when the entire eyelid turns inward, pushing all lashes against the eye.

Q4: Does plucking lashes hurt?

It can sting a little, but it’s quick and provides immediate relief. The problem is that the lash usually grows back.

Q5: Is surgery always necessary?

Not always. Surgery is usually reserved for severe or recurring cases. Many people manage with electrolysis or cryotherapy.

Q6: Can trichiasis cause blindness?

Yes, in severe, untreated cases, corneal scarring or ulcers can lead to permanent vision loss.

Q7: Are there natural cures for trichiasis?

No natural remedy can change lash growth direction. Home remedies only ease discomfort but won’t cure the condition.

Conclusion

Trichiasis might seem like a small problem—a pesky eyelash turning the wrong way. But if left untreated, it can scratch, scar, and even threaten your vision. The good news? It’s treatable. From quick lash removal to advanced surgical procedures, there are plenty of options to get relief and protect your eyes.

So, if you’re constantly dealing with watery, red, irritated eyes and feel like something’s always stuck inside, don’t ignore it. See an eye specialist, get the right treatment, and keep your vision safe. After all, your eyes deserve the best care—they’re your window to the world!