---
title: "Trichiasis surgery for trachoma | Eye Health Guide"
description: "What trichiasis surgery involves for trachoma-related in-turned lashes, why WHO prioritises it, recovery, and how it prevents corneal blindness."
url: https://eyehealthguide.org/treatments/trichiasis-surgery/
source: Eye Health Guide
licence: "General information only. Cite the URL and the named medical reviewer."
---

Treatment

# Trichiasis surgery for trachoma

Medical reviewer [Mr Mohamed Mohyudin](https://eyehealthguide.org/reviewers/mohamed-mohyudin/)· Last recorded site review July 6, 2026

### About this review

This page inherits the site’s previous review record. A separate, current article sign-off has not yet been recorded.

[How review works](https://eyehealthguide.org/reviewers/) · [Official biography & credentials](https://mohamedmohyudin.co.uk/author/mohamed-mohyudin/)

Quick answer

Trichiasis surgery corrects in-turned eyelashes that scratch the cornea in advanced trachoma. It is the 'S' (Surgery) in WHO's SAFE strategy and prevents progressive corneal scarring and blindness. The procedure is usually done in community or clinic settings with local anaesthetic and has high impact when combined with antibiotics and hygiene programmes.

### On this page ⌄

1. Why surgery is needed
2. What the surgery involves
3. Part of WHO SAFE trachoma control
4. After surgery
5. Conditions this can help
6. Frequently asked questions

## Why surgery is needed

Repeated trachoma infection scars the inner eyelid, rotating lashes inward so they rub the cornea with every blink. Without surgery, scarring progresses to corneal opacity and blindness.

## What the surgery involves

Common approaches include rotating the eyelid margin outward or removing the affected lashes and their roots. Surgery is typically brief, under local anaesthetic, and aimed at stopping lash-cornea contact.

## Part of WHO SAFE trachoma control

Surgery is combined with Antibiotics for active infection, Facial cleanliness, and Environmental improvement. Mass drug administration and water access reduce new infection while surgery addresses existing lash-related damage.

## After surgery

Patients need follow-up to check lash regrowth and corneal healing. Lubricating drops and sunglasses help comfort. Recurrence can happen, so community programmes track outcomes and repeat surgery if needed.

## Conditions this can help

## Frequently asked questions

### Is trichiasis surgery the same as trachoma treatment?

Surgery treats the lash problem from past trachoma scarring. Active infection still needs antibiotics and hygiene as part of WHO's full SAFE approach.

### Can trichiasis surgery restore lost vision?

Surgery prevents further corneal damage. Vision already lost to deep corneal scarring may not recover, which is why early surgery and prevention matter.

### Where is trichiasis surgery done?

WHO supports training community health workers and nurses to perform surgery in endemic regions, bringing care closer to affected communities.

Your next step

## Take this to your appointment

Write down what has changed, when it started, your current medicines and the questions you want answered. Take these to your eye-care appointment.

Sudden loss of sight, severe eye pain or a dark curtain across vision needs immediate assessment. Do not wait to complete a worksheet.

## Sources for this information

These references support the information on this page. Follow the linked source for its full context.

- [Trichiasis - College of Optometrists](https://www.college-optometrists.org/clinical-guidance/clinical-management-guidelines/trichiasis)