Argon laser treatment of trichiasis: a clinical and histopathologic evaluation

Trichiasis is a common condition of multiple etiologies. Cryosurgery has been advocated as an effective means of treatment but may be associated with serious complications, including scar, skin depigmentation, and lid notching. We treated eight consecutive eyelids with the argon laser. At the end of a 3-month follow-up period, no recurrence was noted. The only observed complication was mild eyelid notching in one eyelid. Histopathologic evaluation of two specimens obtained 10 days and 5 weeks after laser treatment confirmed the highly localized coagulative effect of the laser with minimum destruction of adjacent tissues. Orientation of the eyelid so that the laser beam and the lash follicle are coaxial and careful measurement of the depth of vaporization of the lash follicle are important in confirming complete treatment and minimizing recurrence.