Treatment
Trichiasis surgery for trachoma
Medical reviewer Mr Mohamed Mohyudin· Last recorded site review
About this review
This page inherits the site’s previous review record. A separate, current article sign-off has not yet been recorded.
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.
Sources for this information
These references support the information on this page. Follow the linked source for its full context.