Ectopic Cilia

Ectopic cilia are individual eyelashes that grow through the inner surface of the eyelid, rather than emerging normally at the lid margin. The hair shaft passes through the conjunctiva—the delicate pink tissue lining the inside of the lid—and rubs directly against the cornea with each blink. This contact can cause persistent irritation and discomfort, often in young dogs, though the condition can appear at any age. Owners most commonly notice their dog squinting, holding one eye partly closed, or producing tears that may look clear or slightly cloudy. The signs often appear suddenly and may affect just one eye. Because the aberrant lash is hidden on the inner lid surface, it is not visible without lifting the lid, which can make the source of discomfort unclear at first glance. This page explores the signals that may suggest ectopic cilia, what happens beneath the surface to produce those signs, how the condition is identified during examination, and the range of approaches used to address it.