Distichiasis

Distichiasis describes a pattern in which extra eyelashes grow from abnormal locations along the eyelid margin, typically emerging from the openings of the meibomian glands rather than the usual lash line. These additional lashes often grow inward, making contact with the surface of the eye. The condition can affect one or both eyes and may involve a single aberrant lash or many. Many owners notice their dog squinting, rubbing at the face, or producing more tears than usual. Some animals show no outward signs at all, and the extra lashes are discovered during routine examination. In other cases, the repeated contact between lash and cornea can lead to visible irritation, discharge, or changes in the appearance of the eye surface over time. This page explores the signs that may prompt concern, the anatomical and developmental factors that underlie the condition, the ways in which it is identified and assessed, and the range of approaches used to manage it when intervention is considered appropriate.