Essential trichomegaly: case report

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Dermatology
• Genetics

Background:

• Trichomegaly, characterized by abnormally long eyelashes, can be associated with various systemic conditions.
• These include anorexia nervosa, hypothyroidism, pregnancy, and autoimmune disorders like lupus erythematosus.
• The exact incidence of trichomegaly is unknown, with sporadic case reports being the primary source of information.

Observation:

• This paper details two distinct cases of symptomatic essential trichomegaly.
• Both patients presented with trichomegaly as the primary issue.
• Crucially, no associated systemic disorders were identified in either case.

Findings:

• Essential trichomegaly can manifest symptomatically without any identifiable underlying systemic disease.
• This finding suggests a potential idiopathic or genetic basis for the condition in some individuals.
• The presentation of these two cases adds to the limited literature on isolated trichomegaly.

Implications:

• Further research is warranted to elucidate the specific etiology of essential trichomegaly.
• Understanding the independent occurrence of trichomegaly may lead to novel diagnostic or therapeutic approaches.
• These cases emphasize the importance of considering essential trichomegaly in the differential diagnosis of eyelash abnormalities.