Can inverted eyelashes be pulled out by oneself

Pulling out inverted eyelashes by oneself is not a recommended practice, and here are the reasons:

Causes of Inverted Eyelashes: Inverted eyelashes, also known as trichiasis, occur when the eyelashes grow in the wrong direction, rubbing against the eye surface. This can be caused by various factors. For example, age - related changes in the eyelid structure can lead to the inward turning of the eyelid margin, resulting in inverted lashes. In some cases, eye infections like trachoma can scar the eyelid tissue, causing the lashes to grow abnormally. Additionally, certain congenital eyelid malformations can also cause this problem.

Infection Risk: The eye area is very sensitive, and the tools used for pulling out eyelashes, such as tweezers, may not be properly sterilized. When using unsterilized tools, there is a high risk of introducing bacteria into the hair follicles, which can lead to infections like folliculitis or even more serious eye infections such as conjunctivitis. These infections can cause redness, swelling, pain, and in severe cases, may affect vision.

Damage to Eyelid and Eyelash Follicles: Pulling out eyelashes by oneself can be quite forceful and inaccurate. This may damage the delicate eyelid tissue, leading to bruising or even tearing of the skin. Moreover, improper pulling can also damage the eyelash follicles. Once the follicles are damaged, it can affect the normal growth cycle of the eyelashes. The lashes may grow back in an even more abnormal way, or they may not grow back at all in severe cases.

Risk of Corneal Abrasion: Inverted eyelashes are already in contact with the cornea, and when attempting to pull them out, there is a risk of accidentally scratching the cornea with the tool or the broken lash itself. A corneal abrasion can cause intense pain, blurred vision, and increased sensitivity to light. If not treated promptly, it can lead to corneal ulcers and other serious corneal problems.

Epilation by Professionals: If only a few eyelashes are inverted, a doctor can perform professional epilation. They use sterile instruments and have the necessary skills to ensure that the procedure is carried out safely. However, even with professional epilation, the lashes may grow back, and repeated treatments may be required.Surgical Intervention: For more severe cases of trichiasis, surgery may be necessary. Procedures like eyelid repositioning surgery can correct the abnormal position of the eyelid margin, thus permanently solving the problem of inverted eyelashes. This type of surgery is usually performed under local anesthesia and is carried out by experienced ophthalmologists.