PURPOSE: To evaluate the effectiveness of thermoablation of eyelashes in trichiasis with Argon laser and to observe the patients' choice of topic or local anesthesia. METHODS: Prospective study of 55 eyelids of 39 patients with trichiasis treated with photocoagulation of the eyelash follicle with Argon green laser (Alcon® - USA). Age, sex, number of applications in each session, evolution after the application and preference for the anesthesic method were evaluated. The laser settings were: 150 µm aim 750 mW potency; 0.2 seconds exhibition. Each eyelash received no more than 9 applications per procedure. RESULTS: Of the 39 patients, 58.9% were female and 41% were male. Mean age was 71 years. There was resolution in 69% (38 patients), and 29% (16 eyelids) underwent a single procedure. The preference for local anesthesia is statistically significant. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that most patients chose local anesthesia for the treatment of trichiasis with argon laser and the thermoablation of eyelashes with argon green laser is an effective treatment of trichiasis.
Cilia; Lasers; Argon; Light coagulation; Anesthesia, local; Trachoma
