Use of Argon Laser Photocoagulation in the Treatment of Recurrent Trichiasis: Long-Term Results

Abstract

We describe our technique and analyze the long-term results of the use of argon laser photocoagulation in the treatment of 92 eyes with recurrent trichiasis. In spite of an incidence of recurrences of 64.1% which had to undergo a new laser photocoagulation session, the final success rate of the method was impressive (91.3%). The number of misdirected cilia per lid seems to constitute an important factor which affects both the rate of recurrences and the success rate of the procedure.

Treatment of Trichiasis with Argon Laser

“…The argon laser was first used for trichiasis by Berry in 1979 (14). Argon laser thermoablation involves repeated application of argon laser burns to the hair root and follicle (15). It offers selective follicle ablation without damage to the pilosebaceous units.…”

The Effect of 0.02% Mitomycin C Injection into the Hair Follicle with Radiofrequency Ablation in Trichiasis Patients

“…Laser therapies have exhibited a success rate of 39% to 88% without relapse [1,15-17]. Application of more than three laser treatments increased the success rate to 91.3% to 100% [17,18]. Laser therapy can be usefully implemented in ocular pemphigoid patients who have mild trichiasis or need to avoid inflammation [1,16].…”

Eletrólise com radiofrequência no tratamento da triquíase

“…A triquíase possui uma complexidade de problemas terapêuticos (3) . O uso de lubrificantes oculares proporciona alí-vio temporário e a lente de contato terapêutica ajuda provisoriamente, sendo problema para os pacientes com olho seco e pelo custo.…”

“…Podemos explicar tal resultado, por alguns seg-mentos palpebrais terem menos cílios triquiáticos que outros e quanto menor o número de cílios triquiáticos por pálpebra, maiores são as chances de sucesso com menos sessões (3) . Como complicações, citamos casos de insucesso com o primeiro tratamento e um paciente que apresentou espessamento discreto da margem palpebral (tilose), sendo este paciente portador de dez cílios triquiáticos num mesmo segmento palpebral, necessitando de duas sessões para a cura da triquíase.…”