Eyelash Disorders in Cats
Trichiasis, Distichiasis, and Ectopic Cilia in Cats
Trichiasis, distichiasis, and ectopic cilia are eyelash disorders that are rarely found in cats. Trichiasis is in-growth of the eyelashes; distichiasis is an eyelash that grows from an abnormal spot on the eyelid; and ectopic cilia are single or multiple hairs that grow through the inside of the eyelid. In all of these conditions, the eyelash hair can come into contact with and damage the cornea or conjunctiva of the eye.
Symptoms and Types
Trichiasis
- Change in pigmentation of the iris (colored portion of the eye)
- Abnormal ticking or twitching of the eyelid (blepharospasm)
- Overflow of tears (epiphora)
- Swelling of eyes
Distichiasis
- Mostly no symptoms can be seen
- Stiff cilia (eyelash)
- Pawing at eye
- Abnormal tick or twitch of eyelid (blepharospasm)
- Overflow of tears (epiphora)
- Increased blood vessels in the cornea
- Change in iris pigmentation
- Corneal ulcers
Ectopic cilia
- Eye pain
- Severe abnormal ticking or twitching of the eyelid (blepharospasm)
- Overflow of tears (epiphora)
Causes
- Facial conformation and breed predisposition
- Unknown etiology in many cats
Diagnosis
Your veterinarian will carefully inspect the eye structures and eyelashes to discern exactly which eyelash disorder your cat has. The diagnosis is usually straightforward in most cases. Your veterinarian will perform a Schirmer tear test to measure tear production and evaluate whether the affected eye is producing enough tears to keep it moist, and a fluorescein stain over the surface of the eye to make corneal ulcers visible. Determination of intraocular (within the eye) pressure is also an important test in evaluating the eye. This test will allow your veterinarian to evaluate the level of fluid pressure inside the eye. More specific testing may be performed to evaluate both the superficial and deep structures of eye.
Treatment
Eliminating the eye irritation will resolve symptoms in most cases. In case of trichiasis, in some patients the hair will be cut short to prevent eye irritation. In others patients surgery may be required for correction of the defect.
In distichiasis no treatment is usually required. Hairs that have been mechanically plucked will regrow within four to five weeks, and will need to removed again. In some cases of distichiasis, surgery may be required. For example, in cases where the hair is a frequent irritation to the surface of the eye.
In case of ectopic cilia, surgery is the preferred method for removing the ectopic eyelash hairs.
Living and Management
Observe your cat's eyes and consult your veterinarian if you notice any recurrence of symptoms. Keep the eyes clean, either with fresh water, or with a veterinarian recommended eye wash. In cases of distichiasis, re-growth is common, in which case you may need to revisit your veterinarian for follow-up care.
