Trachomatous trichiasis, a potentially blinding condition where inward-turned eyelashes scratch the front of the eye, can successfully be treated by either of the two most common types of eyelid surgery, according to findings from a large comparison trial funded by the National Institutes of Health. In light of previous, smaller studies, which suggested that one of the commonly used surgery types had poorer outcomes, this study provides reassurance that either technique can treat the condition. The study, published in PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases , was supported by the National Eye Institute (NEI), part of NIH.
Some studies have reported post-operative trichiasis rates of 30% or higher for patients with trachomatous trichiasis following surgery, and repeat surgeries are more difficult. This trial sought to determine if we could decrease the risk of post-operative trichiasis by modifying the surgical procedure. We found that existing approaches result in better outcomes.
" Emily Gower, PhD, Associate Professor, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Trachomatous trichiasis affects approximately 1.7 million people worldwide, mostly in poor and rural areas of Africa. The condition arises after repeated or chronic eye infections with the bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis, which is spread by person-to-person contact.
Trachoma is very common in hot, dry areas of the world, and repeat infections can eventually lead to scarring and malformation of the eyelid. This malformation c.