Epilation for trachomatous trichiasis and the risk of corneal opacification.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

Eight million people have trachomatous trichiasis (TT). The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends entropion surgery for TT regardless of severity. However, epilation is widely practiced for treating minor TT (1-5 lashes touching the globe). We report the frequency and effectiveness of patient-initiated epilation and its relationship to corneal opacity.

Design

Cross-sectional baseline data of individuals recruited to 2 randomized, clinical trials.

Participants

We included 2556 individuals (4310 eyes) with previously unoperated TT in ≥ 1 eye.

Methods

A single ophthalmologist examined all participants for signs of trachoma using WHO grading systems with additional assessment of entropion grading, location and number of trichiatic lashes, and evidence

SUBMITTER: Rajak SN 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3694301 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature