The use of cryotherapy for trichiasis.

Abstract

Cryosurgical destruction of aberrant eyelashes was performed on 72 eyelids. Seven of nine failures occurred following major deviation from recommended technique. All but one recurrence were successfully re-treated. Notching of the eyelid was observed in one patient. The technique utilized a nitrous oxide gas-cooled cryoprobe. Tissue temperature was monitored by a subcutaneous microthermocouple in the region of the lash follicle to -20 C in a double freeze-thaw cycle.