What is the medical term for eyelashes growing backward and contacting the eye?

The medical term for eyelashes growing backward and contacting the eye is trichiasis. This condition occurs when the eyelashes are misaligned and point inwards towards the eye instead of outward, leading to irritation and potential damage to the cornea and conjunctival surface.

In trichiasis, the eyelashes can scratch the surface of the eye, causing discomfort and sometimes leading to complications such as corneal abrasions or infections. Management often involves addressing the underlying cause, and in some cases, epilation or more invasive procedures may be necessary to correct the eyelash position.

Other terms in the options do not address this specific issue. For example, conjunctivitis refers to inflammation of the conjunctiva, keratosis involves thickening of the skin or a surface due to keratin buildup, and blepharitis is an inflammation of the eyelids, often involving the lashes but not related to their direction of growth. Thus, trichiasis is the precise term for the condition described in the question.