Eyelashes play a key role in protecting the eyes. However, when they grow abnormally or turn away from their natural position, they can cause discomfort and even damage to the cornea.

Trichiasis is more common in adults over 50.

Congenital distichiasis can appear from childhood.

If left untreated, these problems can lead to corneal ulcers and vision loss.

Causes of eyelash problems

Factors that can cause abnormal eyelash growth.

🔹 Inflammation or infection: conditions such as chronic blepharitis or infections such as trachoma can change the direction in which the eyelashes grow.
🔹 Scarring or previous surgery: eye procedures can change the anatomy of the eyelids and alter the position of the eyelashes.
🔹 Autoimmune or skin diseases: conditions such as ocular cicatricial pemphigoid can affect the lash line.
🔹 Congenital factors: some people are born with a second row of eyelashes (distichiasis).

If left untreated, these problems can lead to recurrent infections, corneal ulcers and vision loss.

If you experience these signs, an eye examination is recommended:

✅ Eyelashes rubbing against the eye, with a foreign-body or gritty sensation.
✅ Excessive watering and eye redness.
✅ Irritation, stinging or pain that gets worse when blinking.
✅ Sensitivity to light and occasional blurred vision.
✅ Eyelashes that grow towards the eye or in a second row (trichiasis or distichiasis).
✅ Loss of eyelashes or areas of the eyelid margin with fewer lashes (madarosis).

If you notice these symptoms, have an eye examination: treating misdirected eyelashes early prevents damage to the cornea.

Safe, functional and aesthetic results

🔹 Stops the lashes rubbing against the eye: relieves irritation, watering and the foreign-body sensation.
🔹 Protects the cornea: prevents erosions, infections and corneal ulcers.
🔹 Treatment tailored to each case: from simple in-clinic techniques to eyelid surgery when needed.
🔹 Treats the cause: corrects any eyelid problem that is misdirecting the lashes.
🔹 Improves comfort and appearance: well-directed eyelashes make for a more comfortable, natural look.

A treatment tailored to each type of problem

1️⃣ Eye examination: the eyelashes and eyelid margin are examined to identify the problem and its cause.
2️⃣ Removal of the rubbing lashes: relieves symptoms immediately, although the lashes usually grow back.
3️⃣ Electrolysis, laser or cryotherapy: act on the root of isolated lashes or specific areas to stop them growing back.
4️⃣ Eyelid surgery: indicated when many lashes are affected or there is an eyelid problem such as entropion. It is performed as an outpatient procedure under local anaesthesia.

The specialist will recommend the most suitable technique depending on the type of problem, the number of lashes affected and the cause. In madarosis, treatment is aimed at the cause of the eyelash loss.