What is Entropion?
Entropion is the term used for an eyelid which is turning inward such that the eyelashes rub against the surface of the eye. This condition can occur in the upper eyelids but is much more common in the lower eyelids. A frequent cause is laxity of the eyelid tissues, sometimes with spasms of the eyelid muscles. Less common causes of entropion include scarring of the inner lining of the eyelid such as chemical or thermal injury, significant allergy and inflammatory diseases like ocular pemphigoid.
Whatever the cause the symptoms can include:
- Irritation and “foreign body” sensation from the eyelashes rubbing against the surface of the eye
- Tearing
- Mucous discharge
Management
The best treatment is almost always an operation but there are some measures which can be taken to help in the short term. Using an ocular lubricant (thick artificial tear gel or ointment) may reduce discomfort from rubbing eyelashes. Tape can sometimes be useful to pull a rotated lower eyelid away from the eye surface.
Surgical correction involves tightening the eyelid tissues and the eyelid margin is rotated using sutures (stitches) back to a normal position. The success rate of surgery is high and the vast majority of cases can be performed under local anaesthetic.
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- Phone : 01903495532
- Location : 1 Brooks Road, Lewes, BN7 2DN
- Email : contact@eyedoctorclinic.co.uk
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