What is an entropion?
Entropion is a condition that usually affects the lower eyelid leading to it turn inwards against the eye. The eyelashes then rub against the eye causing discomfort and watering. Most cases of entropion are due to age related changes within the eyelid that lead to laxity and loss of elasticity. Rarely, they can be caused by scarring conditions and it is important that you are examined by an experienced oculoplastic surgeon to rule this out.
What are the symptoms of entropion?
Entropion can cause an irritation in the eye and a feeling that there is a foreign body in the eye itself. This can lead to excessive watering of the eyes and a crusting or sticky discharge on the eyelid. Over time, the repeated rubbing of the front of the eye may cause you to feel pain, the whites of your eye may become red, you may develop a sensitivity to bright light and suffer from repeated eye infections. Vision problems can also occur with longstanding entropion especially if the front of the eye becomes damaged due to the rubbing action of the eyelashes against the cornea.
What causes entropion?
There are a number of causes of entropion but all of them involve the changes in the muscles which control the eyelids. Most cases of entropion are due to age related changes within the eyelid but other causes such as chemical burns, other eyelid surgery, infections and autoimmune disorders can also cause entropion to occur.
What are the treatments for entropion?
In mild cases of entropion, comfort and relief may be provided by eyedrops in the form of artificial tears. The eyelid can also be taped using transparent skin tape to hold the eyelashes away from the front surface of the eye and stop the eyelid from folding inward for short term relief. These methods can also be utilised whilst awaiting treatment. You should ask your consultant for recommendations and instructions first.
In most cases, entropion can be treated by a local anaesthetic operation to tighten the lid and prevent it turning inwards. This leaves your eyelid in a much better position and improves your symptoms.
Botulimun Toxin can be considered in some cases to relax the eyelid muscles and stop the eyelid from turning inward. The result of Botulinum Toxin however is temporary and usually lasts somewhere between 6 and 12 weeks.
If left untreated, the inward turning eyelashes will continue to rub on the front surface of the eye and this may cause damage in the form of a corneal ulcer. Ulcers can be extremely painful and may cause permanent damage to your eyesight even if they completely heal.