Ingrown Eyelashes: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Ingrown eyelashes are a condition where the eyelashes grow in the wrong direction, rubbing against the cornea of the eye. This can cause discomfort, pain, and even lead to vision damage if not treated. In this article, we’ll explore the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for ingrown eyelashes.

Causes of Ingrown Eyelashes

There are several causes of ingrown lashes, including:

• Chronic inflammation of the eyelids: Inflammatory conditions of the eyelids such as blepharitis can cause the eyelashes to become infected and change their growth direction.
• History of styes or cysts: A history of styes or cysts can cause a deviation in the direction of eyelash growth.
• Injury to the eye: An injury to the eye or a history of eye surgery can also lead to misaligned eyelashes.
• Natural: Some babies are born with ingrown eyelashes.
• Other reasons: Certain drugs, genetics, some diseases or eye-related syndromes such as trachoma or aging skin can also cause ingrown lashes.

Symptoms and Effects of Ingrown Eyelashes

The symptoms of ingrown eyelashes include:

• Eye discomfort, pain, itchiness, and redness.
• Watery eyes and sensitivity to light.
• Visible growth of the eyelash, with the tip growing out and the tail growing inward.
• Sensation of something inside the eye.
• Loss of vision and blurred vision.

If left untreated, ingrown lashes can cause prolonged eye irritation, corneal ulcers, chronic infection, permanent vision damage, and decreased vision of the eyes.

Treatment for Ingrown Eyelashes

The treatment for ingrown lashes will depend on the underlying cause, the extent of the eyelids affected, and the number of ingrown eyelashes. Treatment options include:

• Treatment of infection: This method can be applied to cases where the eyelashes are misaligned due to an inflammatory eye condition such as blepharitis. Treatment aims to prevent recurrence and control and relieve symptoms through a combination of heat therapy and eye hygiene.
• Plucking ingrown eyelashes: With only one or two ingrown eyelashes, you can pluck them yourself or ask someone to do it for you. However, this method is only temporary, as the eyelashes will grow back after 6 to 8 weeks.
• Electrolysis: Unlike plucking, electrolysis is a more permanent treatment for ingrown eyelashes, with a success rate of 80%. It involves using electric current to destroy the root of the eyelash follicle, preventing the eyelashes from growing back. It is suitable for cases with only a few ingrown lashes along the length of the eyelid and is usually repeated 2-3 times to remove the ingrown eyelashes permanently. After electrolysis, you may be prescribed antibiotic eye drops or ointment for a few days. Side effects may include bruising, swelling, pain, and soreness in the eyelids.
• Surgery: If ingrown lashes affect a larger area of the eyelid, your doctor may recommend surgery. The procedure involves exposing the eyelash roots and freezing them to prevent the growth of the eyelashes.

Preventing Ingrown Eyelashes

Here are some ways to prevent ingrown eyelashes:

• Use clean water to clean the eyes and avoid eye diseases to prevent infection.
• Maintain good hygiene, especially around the eyes.
• Remove eye makeup before going to bed.
• Be cautious when using eyelash extensions or false eyelashes.

Above are basic information to answer some of your questions about ingrown eyelashes. Follow Minh Lashes to update more interesting information!