Aussie Genetics Fact Sheet: Distichiasis by C.A. Sharp Distichiasis is an eye defect in which one or more abnormal eyelashes grow toward the cornea rather than away from it. Often these lashes are so small and fine they cause no difficulty. Sometimes, however, they are stiff enough that they scratch the cornea every time the dog blinks. This can cause pain and corneal scarring if the lash is not removed. Distichia (the abnormal lashes) can occur at any point in a dog's lifetime. Minor distichia will pass CERF. Distichiasis is seen fairly frequently in Aussies. The condition is inherited, though the mode of inheritance is not known. If a dog has mild distichiasis, involving only one or two lashes that do not abrade the cornea, you might breed it but you will need to be careful in doing so. Do not breed to another that has it, not to dogs with a recent family history of the condition. Dogs that have many distichia or which require surgery to correct it should not be bred.