Cryosurgery for trichiasis in black patients.

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Dermatology

Background:

• Aberrant lashes can cause ocular irritation and damage.
• Traditional treatments may lead to depigmentation, especially in patients with darker skin tones.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy and safety of a novel cryoprobe for treating aberrant lashes.
• To assess the cosmetic outcome, specifically depigmentation, in patients with highly pigmented eyelids.

Main Methods:

• Treatment of 34 eyelids with aberrant lashes using a specifically designed Collin cryoprobe.
• Application of the cryoprobe to the lid margin and conjunctival surface, avoiding direct skin contact.
• No microthermocouple temperature monitoring was employed during the procedure.

Main Results:

• An overall success rate of 82% was achieved in treating aberrant lashes.
• Only one patient (out of 34) experienced a mild cosmetic blemish (depigmentation), indicating good tolerability in highly pigmented lids.
• Repeat treatments up to three times did not increase the complication rate.

Conclusions:

• The Collin cryoprobe offers a highly effective and safe method for treating aberrant lashes.
• Targeting the lid margin and conjunctiva minimizes the risk of depigmentation, making it suitable for patients with highly pigmented eyelids.
• The treatment is well-tolerated, even with multiple sessions, suggesting a favorable risk-benefit profile.