A comparison of argon laser and radiofrequency in trichiasis treatment

The aim of this study was to find concrete clinical evidence for determination of the best method of treatment for trichiasis and the location that responds best to treatment with radiofrequency and argon laser.

This study was performed in 2007 and 2008 on 100 patients, involving a total of 1,181 lashes in contact with the globe. Patients were randomly assigned to 2 groups of treatment: the radiofrequency group (group 1; 2 watts, 2- to 3-mm depth, cut-coagulating mode) and the argon laser group (group 2; spot size 50 μm, 760 mW, 930-nm wavelengths, continuous). After complete ophthalmic examination and photography, the eyelid was divided into 3 segments (medial, central, and lateral) and treated. The patients were examined 3 months later in terms of response to treatment, pain, and complications.

The mean age of the patients was 57.1 ± 24, ranging from 14 to 98 years. Of the 100 patients included, 56% were women and 44% were men. The results revealed the successful treatment of 472 (82.4%) lashes in the radiofrequency group and 383 (62.9%) in the argon laser group. Responses were significant in the central regions of the upper and lower lids (p = 0.001). Similarly, notching was observed in 4 cases, 3 of which (75%) belonged to the radiofrequency group. However, this trend was not statistically significant.

The radiofrequency method was found to be superior in comparison to argon laser in the central regions of both upper and lower eyelids.