Ectopic cilia can lead to which of the following complications?

Ectopic cilia are abnormal hair follicles that develop on the eyelids, often arising from the conjunctiva or the eyelid margin. These misplaced cilia can cause significant irritation to the cornea due to their abnormal positioning and movement, which can lead to corneal ulceration. When ectopic cilia make contact with the cornea, they can cause repeated trauma, resulting in abrasions that may progress to more severe ulceration.

Corneal ulceration can lead to serious complications if left untreated, including pain, increased risk of infection, and potential loss of vision in severe cases. Thus, recognizing and addressing ectopic cilia is crucial to prevent this painful and damaging outcome.

While conditions such as dry eye syndrome, retinal detachment, and conjunctival hyperemia may occur in various ocular conditions, they are not directly caused by ectopic cilia. Dry eye syndrome typically involves insufficient tear production, retinal detachment is associated more with degenerative changes or trauma, and conjunctival hyperemia refers to increased blood flow in the conjunctival vessels, often due to inflammation or irritation but not necessarily linked to ectopic cilia specifically.