Cryosurgery for trichiasis in black patients.

A total of 34 lids with aberrant lashes were treated with the specifically designed Collin cryoprobe without microthermocouple temperature monitoring. A high success rate of 82% was obtained. By applying the cryoprobe to the lid margin and conjunctival surface instead of to the skin it was possible to limit the degree of depigmentation in these highly pigmented lids, and only one patient showed a mild cosmetic blemish. The treatment was repeated on up to three occasions without an increase in complications.