Entropion is one of the most common eyelid malposition problems. The function of the eyelids is to protect and help lubricate the surface of the eye. Therefore, any disorder that affects their position and proper functioning can lead to discomfort, dry eyes, irritation and even injuries of varying severity.

What is entropion?

Entropion refers to an eye problem that occurs when the edge of the eyelid folds towards the surface of the eye. Although it can occur on both eyelids, it most often affects the lower eyelid. Naturally the rubbing of the skin and eyelashes will cause irritation to the cornea and conjunctiva.

Symptoms of Entropion

When the eyelid folds inwards and rubs the surface of the eye together with the eyelashes, it is a clear situation of entropion. Constant rubbing will result in symptoms such as: a sensation of something foreign in the eye, redness, irritation, stinging, tearing, sensitivity to light and even decreased vision.

If you experience these symptoms, you should see an ophthalmologist as soon as possible. At Vistaláser we have excellent eye health professionals who can help you with diagnosis and treatment.

This situation can occur for a variety of reasons, the main causes of ocular entropion are listed below:

  • Due to ageing: with age the muscles weaken or relax leading to senile entropion, which is the most common.
  • Due to facial paralysis: Damage to the nerve that controls the movement of the muscles of the face can also affect the eyelids.
  • Due to blepharospasm: If the eye is irritated or inflamed, closing the eyelids can cause the muscle spasm that folds the edge of the eyelid.
  • Due to trauma: a blow or injury can lead to this eyelid malposition.
  • Due to scarring: especially in patients who have suffered burns to the face.
  • Due to congenital problems: it is less common, but entropion in babies exists and it is a malformation that we can solve.

It is common for patients to consult the symptoms on the Internet, but this is not recommended. It can easily lead to misdiagnosis or ineffective solutions. For example, it can be confused with trichiasis, a medical term that refers to an abnormal growth of the eyelashes with very similar symptoms but where there is no eyelid malposition.

Treatment of Entropion

The solution to eyelid malposition such as entropion is usually surgery under local anaesthesia – general anaesthesia for children. It is an operation that has a very good prognosis in the hands of an oculoplastic doctor.

If a patient with entropion decides not to have the operation or allows too much time to pass, the continuous rubbing may cause an ulcer or scarring that will affect their vision.

It is therefore ideal to make an appointment with an ophthalmologist for a check-up and diagnosis. It is a problem that can be seen with the naked eye, so the important thing is to determine the cause in order to choose the most appropriate treatment.

Until the entropion operation is performed, specific adhesive strips can be applied to keep the eyelid in its correct position. In addition, eye drops and ointments can be used to ensure lubrication of the eye and reduce discomfort.

The surgery involves repairing the skin and muscles so that the normal appearance and function of the eyelid is restored. Recovery is fairly quick and all symptoms will have disappeared within a short time.