Morphological observations on patients with presumed trichiasis.

The clinical findings in 116 patients with a provisional diagnosis of trichiasis are presented. In 69% a small degree of entropion producing lash-globe contact was detected. The term lid border entropion is proposed for this condition, which is recognised clinically by conjunctivalisation of the meibomian gland orifices and anterior placement of the mucocutaneous junction. These features were clearly demonstrated by electron microscopy of a biopsy specimen from one patient. An analysis of other causes of trichiasis is discussed and an attempt is made to clarify the terminology currently in use.