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Ophthalmology7 papers

Trachomatous pannus

Last edited: 4/15/2026

Overview

Trachomatous pannus refers to the fibrotic changes and ingrowth of eyelashes into the ocular surface due to chronic trachomatous inflammation, often leading to trichiasis (inward-turning lashes). 1

Diagnosis

  • Clinical Grading: Trichiasis severity is typically graded to guide surgical intervention 2.
  • Evaluation: Includes assessment of eyelid margin and lash misdirection 2.
  • Management

  • Primary Treatment: Bilamellar tarsal rotation (BTR) surgery is a first-line intervention for trichiasis 2.
  • Surgeon Expertise: Surgery outcomes are comparable between ophthalmologists and integrated eye care workers (IECWs) 2.
  • Recurrent Cases: Laser photocoagulation can be considered for recurrent trichiasis, targeting diseased follicles 3.
  • Special Populations

  • No Specific Guidelines: Abstracts do not provide specific management recommendations for pregnancy, pediatrics, elderly, or comorbidities 123.
  • Key Recommendations

  • Perform bilamellar tarsal rotation surgery for trachomatous trichiasis, with outcomes comparable between ophthalmologists and IECWs (Evidence: Strong 2).
  • Consider laser photocoagulation for recurrent trichiasis cases showing satisfactory results in short-term follow-up (Evidence: Moderate 3).
  • Utilize a standardized grading system to assess trichiasis severity for surgical planning (Evidence: Expert opinion 2).
  • References

    1 Balantrapu TV, Hoare PJ. The International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) Launches Essential Equipment List for Screening and Surgery for Trachomatous Trichiasis. Ophthalmic epidemiology 2015. link 2 Alemayehu W, Melese M, Bejiga A, Worku A, Kebede W, Fantaye D. Surgery for trichiasis by ophthalmologists versus integrated eye care workers: a randomized trial. Ophthalmology 2004. link 3 Berry J. Recurrent trichiasis: treatment with laser photocoagulation. Ophthalmic surgery 1979. link

    Original source

    1. [1]
    2. [2]
      Surgery for trichiasis by ophthalmologists versus integrated eye care workers: a randomized trial.Alemayehu W, Melese M, Bejiga A, Worku A, Kebede W, Fantaye D Ophthalmology (2004)
    3. [3]

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