Effect of Full-thickness Pentagonal Wedge Resection for Treatment of Localized Trichiasis and Distichiasis

ABSTRACT

We evaluated the efficacy of the full-thickness pentagonal wedge resection for localized trichiasis and distichiasis. Fourteen eyes of eleven patients, who were diagnosed to have trichiasis and distichiasis from October 1995 to October 1997 and had more than 10 aberrant cilia that were clustered together, were included in this study. More than 2 months later, we examined clinical symptoms, recurrent aberrant cilia, and complications. There was no recurrence in 11 lids. In 3 lids there were one to three recurrent aberrant cilia around resection margins, and the patients had mild foreign body sensations. In 2 of 3 cases of symptomatic recurrence, symptoms improved after argon laser treatment. Although one case showed recurrence after argon laser treatment, the patient remained asymptomatic. There were no significant complications including postoperative scarring. Therefore, we suggest that the full-thickness pentagonal wedge resection may be simple and effective for the treatment of trichiasis and distichiasis clustered with many aberrant cilia, especially in high risk patients who have potential for corneoconjunctival complications.