What are two treatment options for trichiasis?

Trichiasis, characterized by ingrown eyelashes rubbing against the cornea, can cause discomfort and potentially damage the eye if untreated. The treatment options are focused on removing or disabling the misdirected eyelashes to alleviate irritation and prevent further complications.

Electrolysis is one viable treatment option where a small electric current is applied to each individual eyelash follicle to destroy it, thus preventing regrowth of the misdirected lashes. This method is effective but requires precision and may need multiple sessions for a complete resolution.

Cryotherapy involves applying extreme cold to the eyelash follicles, which also aims to destroy the follicles and thereby reduce the chances of regrowth of the ingrown lashes. Both electrolysis and cryotherapy serve the specific purpose of directly targeting the problematic hairs, making them suitable choices for treating trichiasis effectively.

Other options do not address the root cause of trichiasis. Laser surgery might be effective in some contexts, but it is not typically the go-to treatment for this condition. Antibiotics and steroid injections are generally used for preventing infections or managing inflammation rather than treating the structural issue of misplaced eyelashes. Similarly, hot compresses and oral antihistamines treat symptoms and provide comfort but do not rectify the underlying issue of the misdirected eyelashes