Distichia

For the genus of plant, see Distichia (plant).
Distichia
Distichiae of the upper and lower lid of a dog
SpecialtyOphthalmology

A distichia is an eyelash that arises from an abnormal part of the eyelid. This abnormality, attributed to a genetic mutation, is known to affect dogs and humans. Distichiae usually exit from the duct of the meibomian gland at the eyelid margin. They are usually multiple, and sometimes more than one arises from a duct. They can affect either the upper or lower eyelid and are usually bilateral. The lower eyelids of dogs usually have no eyelashes.[1]

Distichiae usually cause no symptoms, because the lashes are soft, but they can irritate the eye and cause tearing, squinting, inflammation, corneal ulcers and scarring.[2] Treatment options include manual removal, electrolysis, electrocautery, CO2 laser ablation,[3] cryotherapy, and surgery.

  1. ^ Brooks, Dennis E. (2005). "Ophthalmic Examination Made Ridiculously Simple". Proceedings of the 30th World Congress of the World Small Animal Veterinary Association. Retrieved 2007-02-20.
  2. ^ "Eyelids: Conformational Abnormalities". The Merck Veterinary Manual. 2006. Retrieved 2007-02-20.
  3. ^ Winkler, Christopher (2020-01-06) [2019]. "There's something in his eye: CO2 surgical lasers for distichia". Aesculight. Retrieved 2020-01-06.