Ingrown Eyelash (Trichiasis) Treatment in Downtown Manhattan, NYC

If you’ve ever had an ingrown hair on your face or body, you know how painful it can be. When you develop an ingrown eyelash, called trichiasis, it’s just as irritating. If you don’t remove ingrown eyelashes, you risk more than your comfort. Symptoms can worsen without proper ingrown eyelash treatment — and even lead to vision loss. Call the experts who know how to treat an ingrown eyelash at Eye Physicians in New York City. They’re near me in Downtown Manhattan. Don’t wait for severe consequences; do it now.

    What Is Trichiasis?

    Trichiasis, more commonly known as an ingrown eyelash, is a condition in which the eyelashes grow inward toward the eye, causing irritation and pain when they scrape the cornea, which is the clear front section of the eye. These eyelashes can appear normal in thickness and color, but they can also be thin, colorless and incredibly difficult to see or remove. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and how to treat an ingrown eyelash properly is important for effectively managing and preventing adverse effects.

    Trichiasis can affect people of any age, but it becomes more frequent as you age due to changes in eyelid structure and an increased risk of eye conditions that lead to ingrown eyelashes. To avoid complications and possible corneal injury, don’t try to remove ingrown eyelashes yourself. Instead, rely on experienced optometrists at Eye Physicians in NYC near me.

    Common forms of trichiasis include:

    • Cicatricial trichiasis that’s caused by scarring of the eyelid, which results in inward development of eyelashes
    • Distichiasis, which is an additional row of eyelashes that arise along the eyelid edge and irritates your eyes because there isn’t sufficient room for them to exist alongside your other lashes
    • Entropion, when the eyelid edge turns inward, rubbing eyelashes against the eye

    Ingrown eyelashes must be treated as soon as possible for the best outcome. Eye Physicians in Downtown Manhattan provide customized treatments as well as advanced procedures to maintain good eye health. Their timely comprehensive eye care Care offers the best possible maintenance of your eye health.

    Ingrown Eyelash (Trichiasis)

    What Are the Common Signs of Trichiasis?

    Trichiasis causes a variety of symptoms that may coincide with other eye conditions, but chronic irritation is its most noticeable characteristic. This continuous pain causes additional symptoms as your eye tries to discharge the problematic lash.

    Other symptoms include:

    • The sensation of a foreign object in the eye
    • Redness
    • Excessive tearing called epiphora
    • Blurred vision
    • Itching
    • Corneal damage
    • Photophobia and increased light sensitivity

    If you don’t get ingrown eyelash treatment from an eye doctor, ingrown eyelashes can cause a variety of problems. Continuous irritation and friction against the eye’s surface can result in corneal abrasions, infections and inflammation, which may lead to visual impairment or irreversible damage. Furthermore, prolonged irritation, redness and swelling around the eye affects everyday activities and quality of life.

    What Can Cause Trichiasis?

    Several factors can lead to the formation of ingrown eyelashes. Understanding these characteristics is important for accurate diagnosis and effective ingrown eyelash treatment.

    Causes may include:

    • Chronic inflammation of the eyelids may change the direction of eyelash growth, causing them to grow inward toward the eye.
    • Trauma to the eye area can interrupt the natural growth pattern of eyelashes, causing them to grow inward rather than outward.
    • Certain eye diseases, such as ocular rosacea or herpes simplex, can cause eyelid inflammation, resulting in ingrown eyelashes.
    • Growths or cysts on the eyelids can cause ingrown eyelashes.
    • Chronic rubbing or scratching of the eyes caused by allergies or other reasons might induce changes in eyelash direction and inward growth.
    • Certain drugs, in rare situations, may change eyelash development patterns and increase the risk of ingrown lashes.

    Psoriasis, an inflammatory skin condition, can cause ingrown eyelashes due to eyelid inflammation and skin scaling. Inflammation limits natural lash growth, and thicker skin and scales prevent appropriate lash development, leading them to grow inward. Some psoriasis treatments may also influence lash development patterns.

    Ingrown lashes are normally diagnosed after an in-depth examination of the affected eye by your New York City eye doctor. They evaluate symptoms such as pain, redness, swelling and tenderness around the eyelids. Furthermore, they can use magnification instruments to check the lash line for symptoms of ingrown hairs. Proper diagnosis is important for ruling out other eye conditions and ensuring appropriate treatment, which may include gently removing the ingrown lash or addressing any underlying issues that are causing it.

    Do Ingrown Lashes Go Away on Their Own?

    Unfortunately, ingrown lashes can’t go away on their own. To resolve this issue, you need to see your New York eye doctor. Typically, treatment options are decided by the quantity of lashes involved, the cause and your goals. Treating ingrown eyelashes, or trichiasis, includes various methods based on severity. Initial treatments may involve manual removal of the lashes, lubricating eye drops, or antibiotic ointments to reduce inflammation and prevent infection.

    For persistent cases, electrolysis or laser therapy can offer a more permanent solution by destroying the hair follicles. In severe instances, surgery may be necessary to reposition or remove the follicles.

    Some ingrown eyelash treatment options include:

    • Manual removal. Your doctor may use forceps or tweezers to remove an ingrown eyelash.
    • Electrolysis. In this surgical process, a little electric current is used to kill the hair follicle and prevent the ingrown eyelash from growing back.
    • Cryotherapy. This is another type of surgical procedure that involves freezing the hair follicle, which prevents it from forming hair. This also prevents ingrown eyelashes from returning.
    • Laser treatment. This can be used to destroy the hair follicle and prevent the ingrown eyelash from growing back. It tends to be more exact than electrolysis and may be less unpleasant.

    When performed by experienced eye doctors near me in New York City, surgical procedures are safe and effective. Your eye doctor ensures your comfort with relaxation drugs if necessary as well as numbing creams and/or injections when a procedure might incur slight discomfort. Recovery is quick and easy as long as you follow your eye doctor’s instructions and complete your follow-up visits.

    Can I Prevent Ingrown Eyelashes?

    Taking certain precautions reduces risks, but genetic factors and underlying conditions can still cause ingrown lashes that require monitoring and immediate action to protect eye health.

    Steps to take to prevent ingrown eyelashes include:

    • Practicing gentle eyelid hygiene by cleaning them with mild baby shampoo
    • Avoiding touching or pulling on your eyelashes
    • Using warm compresses to relieve discomfort
    • Cutting lengthy lashes
    • Removing eye makeup completely

    If you see any inflammation or ingrown lashes, you should get expert help quickly before it turns into a more complicated condition requiring surgical intervention. Take charge of your eyes’ comfort and health. If you’re experiencing pain from ingrown eyelashes, please contact the experienced treatment team at Eye Physicians in New York City.

    Their skilled specialists are dedicated to delivering complete care and relief. With their expertise and dedication to your well-being, you can be confident that your condition will be adequately treated. Make your eye health a top priority.

    Page Updated on Nov 5, 2024 by Dr. William Hogue, OD (Optometrist) of Eye Physicians
    William Hogue, OD

    My name is Dr. William Hogue, and I am an optometrist dedicated to providing top-quality professional eye care. I'm trained in treating various ocular conditions, including dry eye syndrome, glaucoma, and retinal issues.

    I earned my chemistry degree summa cum laude from the University of Tennessee. Subsequently, I obtained my Doctorate of Optometry (OD) and Master of Science (MS) from the New England College of Optometry. Following graduation, I completed an ocular disease residency at the State University of New York’s College of Optometry. Beyond my clinical work, I have also been a supporter of Volunteer Optometric Services to Humanity (SVOSH).

    More about Dr. Hogue

    Eye Physicians
    110 Lafayette St, Suite 503
    New York, NY 10013
    (212) 292-4814

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