What is it called when an eyelash grows bending into the eye?
When an eyelash is bent toward the eye, that’s trichiasis; a common eye condition. The eyelash turns inward, rubbing against the eye, causing a painful irritation. In severe cases, the lash bending into your eye can pierce your cornea impairing your ability to see.
When an eyelash grows inward and rubs against your eye, not only does it hurt, it can also cause redness, and makes your eye water.
Treating trichiasis often starts with eyelash epilation, where the troublesome eyelashes are removed to stop them from growing back.
When an eyelash bends into your eye, an antibiotic ointment can help with inflammation, pain, and watery eyes. Sometimes, surgery is needed to prevent damage and restore vision.
It’s almost impossible to leave it untreated with all the discomfort an eyelash poking into the eye causes.
Why do eyelashes sometimes grow bending into the eye?
Eyelashes sometimes grow in the wring direction, touching the eyeball and it’s not always clear why.
Often, when there’s an itch on the eyelid, and you rub it, some lashes are shaken loose and they swing upside down due to gravity and their inability to hold themselves up in their natural position without being tightly attached to the lashline.
The itch could be caused by an infection from bacteria or viruses, or it may just be an allergic reaction of the eye. Rubbing causes trauma to the lid, particularly the lashline causing some eyelashes to fall off and some to be misaligned.
Continuous trauma to the eyelash line may result in permanent damage to the tiny hole (called follicles) from which a lash grows, so that any lash that grows out of it from then on grows bending the wrong way, sometimes even into the eye.
Is it okay to remove the eyelash that is growing the wrong way?
When an eyelash grows bending into the eye, it’s usually safe to remove it. In fact, removing the eyelash can help relieve the irritation and discomfort caused by it poking into your eye. You can carefully pluck the eyelash yourself or have someone else do it for you, as they might see it better.
Removing the Eyelash Yourself
Wash Your Hands
First, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water to avoid introducing any bacteria into your eye.
Find a Clean, Well-Lit Area
Sit in a well-lit area and use a mirror to get a clear view of your eye. Natural light is best if possible.
Use a Clean Pair of Tweezers
Sterilize a pair of tweezers by wiping them with rubbing alcohol. This helps prevent any infection.
Locate the Eyelash
Gently pull down your lower eyelid or lift your upper eyelid to locate the inward-growing eyelash. You might need to blink a few times to get a better view.
Hold Your Eyelid Steady
Use one hand to hold your eyelid steady. This will help you keep your eye open and prevent blinking while you remove the eyelash.
Pluck the Eyelash
Carefully use the tweezers to grasp the eyelash as close to the base as possible. Gently but firmly pull the eyelash out in one smooth motion. Be careful not to pinch your skin or poke your eye.
Rinse Your Eye
After removing the eyelash, rinse your eye with sterile saline solution or clean water to remove any debris and soothe the irritation.
Apply Eye Drops
If your eye feels irritated, you can use over-the-counter lubricating eye drops to help soothe it.
Having Someone Else Remove the Eyelash
Explain the Situation
Clearly explain to the person helping you what needs to be done. Make sure they understand the importance of being gentle and precise.
Wash Hands and Sterilize Tweezers
Ensure the person helping you washes their hands thoroughly and sterilizes the tweezers with rubbing alcohol.
Sit Comfortably
Sit in a comfortable position with good lighting. The person helping you should have a clear view of your eye.
Hold Your Eyelid
The person helping you should gently hold your eyelid steady, either pulling down the lower lid or lifting the upper lid to expose the inward-growing eyelash.
Locate and Pluck the Eyelash
They should carefully use the tweezers to grasp the eyelash as close to the base as possible and gently pull it out in one smooth motion. They need to be careful not to pinch your skin or poke your eye.
Rinse Your Eye
After the eyelash is removed, rinse your eye with sterile saline solution or clean water to remove any debris and soothe the irritation.
Apply Eye Drops
If your eye feels irritated, use over-the-counter lubricating eye drops to help soothe it.
Removing an inward-growing eyelash can provide immediate relief from irritation and discomfort, but if the problem persists or if you’re uncomfortable doing it yourself, it’s best to seek help from an eye doctor.
Will The Eyelash Grow Back?
When an eyelash grows bending into the eye, removing it can provide immediate relief from the irritation and discomfort. However, it’s important to understand that the eyelash will likely grow back. Eyelashes, like other hair on your body, go through a natural growth cycle. This cycle includes a growth phase, a resting phase, and a shedding phase. When you pluck an eyelash, you are removing it from the follicle, but the follicle itself remains intact and will eventually produce a new eyelash.
The regrowth process can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months, depending on various factors such as your overall health, age, and the condition of your eyelid and follicles. Typically, you might start to see signs of regrowth within a few weeks, with full regrowth potentially taking up to six months.
Why Might It Be More Irritating When It Grows Back?
When the eyelash grows back, it might be more irritating for a couple of reasons:
Direction of Growth
If the underlying issue that caused the eyelash to grow inward in the first place isn’t addressed, the new eyelash might grow in the same problematic direction. This means it could once again poke into your eye, causing similar discomfort and irritation.
Follicle Damage
Repeated plucking or trauma to the follicle can sometimes cause it to produce a weaker or more misaligned eyelash. This can make the new eyelash more prone to growing in the wrong direction and causing irritation.
What Can Be Done to Prevent This?
To prevent the eyelash from growing back in the wrong direction, it’s important to address the underlying cause. Here are some steps you can take:
1. Consult an Eye Doctor
An eye doctor can examine your eyelid and determine why the eyelash is growing inward. They can recommend treatments to address the root cause, such as inflammation or scarring.
2. Permanent Solution
In some cases, more permanent solutions like laser surgery or cryotherapy (freezing the follicle) might be recommended to prevent the eyelash from growing back toward the eye.
3. Proper Eyelid Hygiene
Keeping your eyelids clean and free from infection can help prevent issues that might cause eyelashes to grow inward. Regularly washing your face and avoiding rubbing your eyes can also help.
What If the Eyelash Keeps Growing Back Bending Into The Eye?
If the eyelash continues to grow bending into the eye despite your efforts, you have to seek professional medical help. Persistent trichiasis (growing bent toward the eyeball) can lead to more serious eye problems, including damage to the cornea and potential vision loss if left untreated.
When an eyelash that’s growing inward and poking your eye, but you can’t remove it yourself, and there’s no one around to help, and you can’t see an eye doctor right away, there are still some things you can do to relieve the discomfort.
1. Flush Your Eye with Eye Drops
Use over-the-counter lubricating eye drops to flush out your eye. This can help wash away any debris and soothe the irritation. Tilt your head back, pull down your lower eyelid, and apply a few drops. Blink a few times to spread the drops across your eye.
2. Apply a Warm Compress
Take a clean cloth and soak it in warm water. Wring out the excess water and gently place the warm cloth over your closed eye. The warmth can help reduce inflammation and soothe the discomfort. Keep the compress on your eye for about 10-15 minutes. You can repeat this several times a day.
3. Use a Lubricating Ointment
If you have a lubricating eye ointment, apply a small amount to the affected area. This can help soften the eyelash and reduce irritation. Be sure to follow the instructions on the ointment packaging.
4. Avoid Rubbing Your Eye:
It might be tempting to rub your eye to relieve the discomfort, but this can make things worse. Rubbing can cause more irritation and even damage your eye. Try to keep your hands away from your eye as much as possible.
5. Protect Your Eye:
If you have an eye patch or can make one, wearing it can help protect your eye from further irritation. This can also remind you not to touch or rub your eye.
6. Stay in a Dimly Lit Area:
Bright lights can make the discomfort worse. Try to stay in a dimly lit area to reduce light sensitivity. Wearing sunglasses indoors can also help if you need to move around.
BONUS TIPS
- Drinking plenty of water can help keep your eyes hydrated and reduce dryness.
- Rest your eyes. Try to avoid activities that strain your eyes, like reading or using screens for long periods. Give your eyes a break to help them heal.
- If the air in your home is dry, using a humidifier can add moisture to the air and help keep your eyes from drying out.
What are some safe lubricating ointments to use?
1. GenTeal Tears Severe Dry Eye Symptom Relief
It comes in a twin-pack for severe dry eye symptoms to provide long-lasting relief. GenTeal Tears Severe Dry Eye Symptom Relief is thick and helps keep your eye moist overnight.
Get the pack of two, if you’re looking to save a little cash while still getting the best value for your money, with the preservative-free, single-use eye drops that can also be used as an ointment. They are great for sensitive eyes and provide a soothing effect.
3. Bausch + Lomb Soothe Lubricant Eye Ointment
This ointment is specifically formulated to relieve dryness and irritation. It’s safe to use and helps protect your eye while you sleep.
How to Use the Ointment
- Always start by washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water to avoid introducing any bacteria into your eye.
- Tilt your head back slightly and pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket. Squeeze a small amount of the ointment (about the size of a grain of rice) into this pocket. Be careful not to touch the tip of the ointment tube to your eye or eyelid.
- After applying the ointment, close your eye gently for a few minutes. This helps spread the ointment evenly across your eye.
- If any ointment leaks out of your eye, gently wipe it away with a clean tissue.
Using a lubricating ointment will provide temporary relief from the irritation caused by an eyelash that’s growing bending into your eye, BUT you still have to see an eye doctor as soon as possible to address the underlying issue and prevent further eye issues.
