These lashes can stimulate significant irritation to the eye. In the milder forms tearing and squinting (blepharospasm) are observed. In the more severe cases active inflammation of the cornea (keratitis) can be seen. This can progress to corneal ulceration, neovascularization of the cornea, and proliferation of corneal pigment.
THERAPY
The best way to remove these unwanted extra eyelashes is with cryo surgery. Cryo therapy involves using a 3mm cryo surgical probe, which is placed at the base of the follicle containing the lash/lashes. Usually 2 short freeze cycles will destroy the follicle’s ability to produce the lash and the offending lash is then removed with small forceps. There may be as many as 30 or more lashes per lid in the more severe cases. After this procedure the eye lid will be puffy and irritated for 2-3 days but quiets down fairly quickly. Also, there will be some depigmentation on the lid margin that may take 2-3 months for the pigment to return.