What is distichiasis and ectopic cilia?
Distichia and ectopic cilia are aberrant hairs which grow at an abnormal location of the eyelid. Both conditions can present with either a single or multiple hairs, growing from a misplaced hair follicle either at the margin of the eyelid or at the inner part of the eyelid, called the conjunctiva.
Types of aberrant hair
Distichia is the term used to described one or multiple aberrant hair growing from the margin of the eyelid. These are usually long and can be seen clearly on the surface of the eye.
Ectopic cilia is the term used to describe one (or, less frequently, multiple) hairs which grow from the inner part of the eyelid and are in direct contact with the surface of the eye. These cannot be identified without specialised equipment (slit lamp biomicroscope).
Signs of distichiasis
Distichia and ectopic cilia can cause:
- irritation
- increased blinking
- constant tearing
- discharge from the eye
- corneal ulcers
- scarring of the cornea
- pain.
The most consistent problem noted is increased tearing.
Diagnosis of distichiasis
The diagnosis for distichia can be made by your local vets who can then subsequently refer you to our clinic for an assessment in order to discuss the available treatment options.
Treatment of distichiasis
Treatment of distichia varies depending on the extend of the problem and the number of hairs affecting each eyelid. For single hairs or “clumps” of hair at the same location of the eyelid, surgical excision is the best course of action as it has the highest success rate (100%) and there is no risk of recurrence.
When a pet is suffering from distichia at multiple sites, various procedures such as frequent manual plucking, cryoepilation, electroepilation or partial tarsal plate excision can be considered. Due to the variable success rate of these procedures, our ophthalmologists will discuss the available options with you.
Treatment of ectopic cilia involves surgical excision of the hair and the hair follicle and has a success rate of close to 100%
Complications of distichiasis
The most common complication seen after distichia surgery is that some of the hair can regrow or new hairs can grow further down the line. In this instance, additional treatments with the techniques mentioned above will have to be considered. With cryoepilation or electroepilation, swelling and change in colour (de-pigmentation) of the eyelids is commonly seen. This is temporary and resolves a few weeks after the surgical procedure.
After care
All of the above mentioned surgical procedures require a general anaesthetic. Following the procedure, your pet will have to wear a buster collar for a period of 7-10 days and receive a course of topical drops and oral anti-inflammatory medication.