Canis ISSN: 2398-2942

Ectopic cilia

Introduction

• Cause: adventitious hairs emerge through the palpebral conjunctiva to impinge on the cornea.
• Signs: usually occurs in the 12 o'clock position of the upper eyelid. Produces serous discharge.
• Always pain and blepharospasm.
• Diagnosis: clinical signs.
• Treatment: surgery.
• Prognosis: good.

Pathogenesis

Etiology

• Congenital.
• Onset in juvenile or middle age.
• Not breed related.

Pathophysiology

• Variation on distichiasis Distichiasis in which an adventitious hair arises from within, or adjacent to, the Meibomian glands. This hair emerges through the palpebral conjunctiva (inner surface of the eyelid) .
• Corneal irritation → superficial keratitis Keratitis → corneal ulceration Ulcerative keratitis.

• Cilia arising from the tarsal glands and emerging through the palpebral conjunctiva.

Timecourse

• Unpredictable per emergence through conjunctiva.

Diagnosis

Treatment

Outcomes