Your body changes in lots of ways as you get older. Some of these changes, like grey hair, are expected, while other changes, like trichiasis, can catch you by surprise. Trichiasis occurs when your eyelids turn inwards, which allows your eyelashes to poke and scrape the surface of your eyes. Here are four things you need to know about this painful condition.

What causes trichiasis?

Trichiasis occurs due to the effects of aging. As you get older, your eyelids, just like the rest of your skin, become less elastic. This loss of elasticity can allow your eyelids to turn inwards. When your eyelids turn inwards, your eyelashes grow towards your eyes, instead of away from them.

What are the signs of trichiasis?

If you develop trichiasis, your eyes will be constantly irritated and you'll feel like you have something stuck in your eye. Your eyes may also be sore and red. Your eyes may become excessively watery due to this irritation, and bright lights can also cause discomfort. If you notice these signs, make sure to talk to your optometrist right away.

Is it serious?

Trichiasis can lead to serious eye problems. When your eyelashes rub against the surface of your eyes, they can lead to scratches on the lens of your eyes, known as corneal abrasions. These abrasions may seem minor, but they can become infected and then lead to ulcers. Ulcers on the cornea are a big problem because once they heal, they can leave scars. Scars on the cornea prevent light from passing into your eye, and this can lead to a decrease in vision. 

How is it treated?

There are many treatments available for trichiasis. An easy, short-term fix is to have the offending eyelashes plucked by your optometrist. However, the eyelashes will usually grow back, so the treatment will need to be repeated. Eye drops are another treatment for mild cases; the drops help to lubricate your eyes and protect your eyes from getting scratched by your eyelashes.

If your case is severe, more invasive treatments will be required. This may involve using electrolysis (permanent hair removal) to destroy your eyelashes. Corrective eyelid surgery can also be performed to return your eyelids to their original position; your optometrist will need to refer you to plastic surgeon for this procedure.

If you notice that your eyelashes are turning inwards as you get older, make sure to tell your optometrist. To find out more about, contact someone like Wear Eyewear.