Distichiasis Complicating Allergic Rhinoconjunctivitis

Three patients had four lid distichiasis and signs and symptoms of allergic rhinoconjunctivitis. The findings consisted of ocular irritation with tearing, photophobia, periodic lid swelling, rhinorrhea, and boggy nasal mucosa. Treatment of the allergic rhinoconjunctivitis was unsuccessful until the distichiasis was relieved. Exacerbations of signs and symptoms recurred when lashes regrew. A neural reflex relationship exists to explain most of the symptom complex resulting from ocular irritation. In the evaluation of patients with rhinoconjunctivitis, trichiasis should be looked for, especially if there is noticeable photophobia present.