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Entropion & Ectropion

Entropion and ectropion are conditions that usually affect the lower eyelid. Both conditions can cause discomfort and irritation of the eye. In general, both conditions require the surgical repair of the eyelid to avoid eye health issues and potential vision loss.

Entropion

Entropion is a condition where the eyelid turns inward. Typically entropion occurs on the lower eyelid where the skin and lashes rub painfully against the cornea. This condition may cause the lid to either turn in constantly or only at times when the eyes are closed tightly.

Entropion usually occurs in older adults as a result of the aging process. In adults the muscles around the eyes may progressively weaken. A spasm or relaxation of the muscles near the eye can cause the lid to turn inward. Other causes of entropion include:

  • Injury
  • Muscle weakness
  • Congenital defect
  • Skin disease
  • Inflammation
  • Surgery

The initial symptoms of entropion are often the following:

  • Pain in the eye
  • Excessive tearing
  • Redness
  • Irritation
  • Pain
  • Dry eyes
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Reduced vision
  • Discharge from the eye
  • A feeling that there is something in the eye

Over time, if the condition is not treated, the cornea may become damaged due to:

  • Corneal abrasions
  • Corneal ulcers
  • Infection

If you are experiencing light sensitivity, contact your physician immediately. Without treatment a decrease in vision can occur. Your doctor will be able to confirm the diagnosis of entropion upon an examination of the eyes.

While there are treatments for entropion, correction of the condition is completed with a brief surgical procedure in which the eyelids are repositioned. Temporary relief of the entropion condition can also be found by the following treatment methods:

  • BOTOX® Cosmetic
  • Skin tape to hold the eyelid in place
  • Strategically placed stitches
  • Lubricating eye drops

Surgical Correction of Entropion

The eyelid area is numbed with a local anesthetic and a light sedation may also be provided. For entropion due to muscle weakness, the surgery may involve the removal of a small section of eyelid to tighten the muscles in the area. When the entropion is caused by scars or prior surgery, the procedure typically relies on a skin graft to allow a repositioning of the eyelid.

Patients usually need to wear an eye patch for 24 hours after the surgery. Post-operatively an antibiotic and steroid ointment will need to be applied. Symptoms of entropion usually resolve immediately. There may be some short-term bruising or swelling as a result of the procedure.

Ectropion

Ectropion is a condition where the eyelid turns outward. Typically ectropion occurs on the lower eyelid exposing the inner lid in either one section of eye or across the entire lid. Ectropion prevents tears from draining from the eye correctly, resulting in irritation.

Ectropion usually occurs in older adults as a result of the aging process. In adults the connective tissue around the eyes may progressively weaken. Other causes of ectropion include:

  • Sun damage
  • Tumor
  • Facial burns
  • Trauma
  • Removal of too much skin during blepharoplasty
  • Congenital birth defect
  • Facial paralysis
  • Growths on the eyelid
  • Rapid weight loss

The major symptoms of ectropion are usually:

  • Dry eyes
  • Pain
  • Excessive tearing
  • Redness both on the eye and the eyelid
  • Conjunctivitis
  • Interstitial keratitis

Over time, if the condition is not treated, the exposed cornea may become damaged due to dryness and irritation leading to:

  • Corneal abrasions
  • Corneal ulcers
  • Infections

Contact your physician right away if you are experiencing light sensitivity, a decrease in vision or rapid onset of redness in the eye. Your doctor will be able to diagnose ectropion upon an examination of the eyes.

While there are treatments for ectropion, correction of the condition is completed with a brief surgical procedure in which the eyelids are repositioned. Temporary relief of the ectropion condition can also be found by the following treatment methods:

  • Artificial tears
  • Ointment

For ectropion due to muscle weakness, surgery to correct the condition involves:

  • Stretching of scar tissue
  • Surgery that involves the removal of a small section of eyelid
  • Surgery to tighten the mucosal membrane of the inner eyelid

Surgical Treatment of Ectropion

The eyelid area is numbed with a local anesthetic and a light sedation may also be provided. `Patients usually need to wear an eye patch for 24 hours after the surgery. Post-operatively an antibiotic and steroid ointment will need to be applied. Symptoms of ectropion usually resolve immediately. There may be some short-term bruising or swelling as a result of the procedure.

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