Question
My child is now 3 years old and has been found to have eyelash misdirection, which was not noticed before. How should this be resolved? Can it be treated without surgery? What are the chances of recurrence if surgery is performed? Thank you. The doctor says it’s an eye inflammation and has prescribed some medication. How should the treatment be carried out? Thank you.
Answer
Eyelash misdirection refers to the condition where eyelashes grow inward towards the eye, often caused by trachoma-induced conjunctival scarring and contraction. Eyelid inflammation and trauma can also lead to eyelash misdirection. Misdirected eyelashes can cause friction against the conjunctiva and cornea, leading to symptoms such as foreign body sensation, photophobia, tearing, eyelid spasm, conjunctival congestion, corneal opacity, or corneal ulceration. Some children may naturally see an improvement as their nose bridge develops with age, and congenital eyelid inversion can often resolve on its own, so there is no urgent need for surgery. At the same time, eye drops with anti-inflammatory properties and those that promote corneal epithelial repair should be used.