Causes of eyelashes irritating the eyes

Ingrown eyelashes may be physiological or pathological, such as due to trachoma or trichiasis.

I. Physiological Factors

With increasing age, significant loss of subcutaneous collagen may lead to gradual laxity of the lower eyelid skin, causing dysfunction of the orbicularis oculi muscle and resulting in entropion.

II. Pathological Factors

1. Trachoma

Trachoma may result from contact with towels, clothing, or other items previously used by someone with trachoma, or from infection with *Chlamydia trachomatis*. If left untreated, it can lead to conjunctival scarring and tarsal plate deformities, causing inward curling of the eyelid margin (entropion).

2. Trichiasis

Eye trauma caused by blunt injury or eyelid surgery may lead to scar formation around the eye. These scars may pull on the eyelashes, causing them to turn inward (trichiasis).

In addition, other causes such as ocular trauma may also contribute. Timely differential diagnosis is recommended.