Entropion and Ectropion

Entropion and ectropion are eyelid malpositions in which the lower lid turns inwards or outwards, causing irritation, watering, and in some cases damage to the surface of the eye.

Common symptoms

Gritty or sore eyes, watering, redness, crusting, blurred vision, and the feeling of a foreign body, often worse on waking or in wind and bright light.

Description

In entropion, the eyelid and lashes turn inwards and rub on the eye, which can scratch the cornea and cause pain and light sensitivity. In ectropion, the lid turns outwards and the surface of the eye is no longer properly protected, leading to dryness, watering, and sore exposed skin.

Both conditions are most often age-related, caused by weakening of the tissues supporting the eyelid. Other causes include scarring from burns, skin conditions, previous surgery, or facial nerve weakness. If the surface of the eye is affected for long enough, vision can be threatened.

Short-term relief involves lubricant drops or ointment, tape to hold the eyelid in position, and careful lid hygiene. Definitive treatment is usually a short eyelid operation to tighten or reposition the lid, which most people tolerate well and which can transform comfort.