Treatment for trichiasis through a combination of eyelash trephination and electrocautery

Abstract

Purpose: This article introduces 3-mm-deep eyelash trephination combined with electrocautery as a way to increase the success rate for treatment for trichiasis. Method: We have modified surgical instruments, ready-made ophthalmic microtrephine and cautery tip for a 3-mm-deep eyelash trephination and electrocautery. After eyelash trephination with microtrephine, electrocautery was added with a bended cautery tip after embedding in the trephination site. The trephined eyelids were photographed biweekly and checked for recurrence until 8 weeks after operation. Result: Eyelash trephination combined with electrocautery was carried out on 20 Korean patients. The number of removed cilia was 109. Of these, the number of successfully removed hair follicles was 89. During 8 weeks, the total recurring rate of eyelash trephination combined with electorcautery was 17%. In the case of hair follicle removal success with electrocautery, the recurring rate was as low as 11%, but in the case of hair follicle removal failure with electrocautery, recurring rate is 45%. We checked the depth of removed eyelash follicles, and the mean depth was 2.03 ± 0.085 mm in this study. No serious complication was found during the period of this study. Conclusion: The eyelash trephination combined with electrocautery for trichiasis is a method with a low recurrence rate and few complications. © 2011 The Authors. Acta Ophthalmologica.