Tetrastichiasis is a medical condition that affects the eyelashes, causing them to grow abnormally or in the wrong direction, which can cause discomfort and, in severe cases, damage to the eye. The word is spelled with a "tetrastich" root, which means "four lines of poetry" and the ending "-iasis," which indicates a medical condition. The IPA phonetic transcription for tetrastichiasis is /ˌtɛtrəˈstɪkiˌeɪsɪs/, with emphasis on the second syllable, and a silent final "s." This term is not commonly used outside the medical field.
Tetrastichiasis is a medical condition that refers to the abnormal growth or arrangement of eyelashes. It is characterized by an extra row of eyelashes that grow on the inner surface of the eyelid, close to the eyeball. These additional eyelashes may emerge from the same follicles as the regular eyelashes or from separate follicles.
Individuals with tetrastichiasis may experience various symptoms such as eye irritation, redness, pain, and a foreign body sensation. The additional eyelashes can rub against the cornea, causing corneal abrasions, inflammation, and in severe cases, damage to the cornea or other ocular structures.
Tetrastichiasis can occur due to various causes, including genetic predisposition, congenital abnormalities, or acquired conditions such as chronic eye inflammation, trauma, or eyelid surgery. Certain genetic disorders, such as Ehlers-Danlos syndrome or Trichinosis, have also been associated with tetrastichiasis.
Treatment for tetrastichiasis aims to alleviate symptoms and prevent complications. This can involve different approaches, depending on the severity of the condition. Options may include manual plucking or trimming of the extra eyelashes, electrocautery or cryotherapy to destroy the aberrant follicles, or surgical intervention to reposition the misaligned eyelashes or redirect their growth.
Regular monitoring and follow-up with an ophthalmologist are crucial for individuals with tetrastichiasis to ensure the condition is properly managed and minimize the risk of complications.
The arrangement of the eyelashes in four rows.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "tetrastichiasis" is derived from two Greek roots: "tetrá-" meaning "four" and "stíchē" meaning "line" or "row". The suffix "-iasis" is often used in medical terminology to refer to a condition or pathological state. Therefore, "tetrastichiasis" is a condition characterized by the abnormal growth or positioning of four rows of eyelashes.