Evaluation of argon laser treatment of trichinosis

The argon laser was used to treat trichiasis in 17 patients [22 eye lids]. The power was 1-12 watt, duration 0.1 second and spot size 50 microns. Twenty to thirty burns were applied to each follicle. The patients were followed up for a mean of 6 months. Ablation of the offending lashes was accomplished in 72.7% of the cases with one cession and in 81.8% of the cases with two cessions [up to 8 eye lashes]. Four cases showed persistent trichiasis [more than 8 lashes]. No complications were observed. Argon laser was found to be a safe and useful option in selected cases