title: Argon laser treatment of trichiasis.
abstract: The argon laser was used to treat trichiasis in 44 patients over a five-year period. During follow-up intervals of between one month and more than four years (mean, 13 months), ablation of misdirected cilia was accomplished with one treatment in 26 patients (59%). No complications were observed. Laser is less effective than cryotherapy for destroying aberrant eyelashes, but cryotherapy is less precise and incites greater posttreatment inflammation. Argon laser treatment is a useful option when only a few, scattered eyelashes require ablation or in patients with disorders such as ocular pemphigoid, in which the stimulation of inflammation is undesirable.
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905.
authors.forename: G B
authors.initials: GB
authors.lastname: Bartley
authors.forename: J C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Lowry
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005140:Eyelashes / Q000601:surgery*; D005141:Eyelid Diseases / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D016896:Treatment Outcome