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Updated: Jul 19, 2026
Surgical Correction for Pediatric Epiblepharon and Trichiasis
Published on: July 8, 2025
Treatment of trichiasis and distichiasis by eyelash trephination
Michael S McCracken1, Don O Kikkawa, Sunil N Vasani
1Division of Ophthalmic Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, UCSD Department of Ophthalmology, La Jolla, California, USA. mmccracken@hotmail.com
Purpose:
To describe the methods and results of a new technique of eyelash trephination for treatment of trichiasis and distichiasis.
Methods:
The medical records of all patients who underwent eyelash trephination by the authors to treat trichiasis or distichiasis were reviewed. Gender, diagnosis, number of eyelids treated, follow-up time, and surgical outcome were recorded. The technique involves boring of the affected lash follicle with a microtrephine, followed by removal of the follicle.
Results:
The procedure was performed on 41 eyelids of 26 patients (15 females and 11 males). Patients were followed for 6 to 51 months after surgery. No recurrence was observed in 16 patients (62%) during this period. There were no adverse effects of the therapy.
Conclusions:
Eyelash trephination is a safe, quick, and effective method of treatment for trichiasis and distichiasis.
