Entropion

Definition

Entropion is a pathological condition, in which the eyelid turns inwards causing irritation, while it can also threaten eyesight..

Cause

The most common cause of a lower-lid entropion is instability of the eyelid structures, which is more common in the elderly. Other less common causes are trauma, chemical damages and inflammatory disorders of the conjunctiva on the medial side of the eyelids.

Symptoms

The most common symptoms include irritation of the eye, lacrimation, eye redness and pain. The most dangerous clinical features are abrasions and ulcers of the cornea that can lead to blurred vision, worsening pain, light sensitivity, and severe epiphora.

Treatment

Entropion management depends on its cause, but often surgery is required to turn the edge of the eyelids and eyelashes away from the eye. This procedure does not require hospitalization, is performed under local anesthesia and lasts about 30 minutes.

Postoperative precautions

After surgery, your eye will be closed during the night to help reduce swelling and bruising. Once the dressing is removed, it is important not to rub your eyelids and to instill antibiotic eye drops in accordance with the physician’s instructions for two weeks. Swimming should be avoided for 2-3 weeks after surgery, but air travel is safe. A post-operative appointment is usually scheduled within 2 weeks from the surgery to monitor the healing of the eyelid. Even though stitches are dissolvable, they are usually removed to reduce skin irritation.

Possible surgery complications

Unfortunately, no surgery is completely without risk. After correction of the entropion, small ecchymoses and some redness may occur, especially along the rim of the eyelid, but will usually go away within a few days. Other rare surgery complications include inflammation, recurrence of the disease (less than 4% of cases) and temporary irritation of the eye from the antibiotic eye drops.