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Ectropion and entropion are two conditions which can affect the eyelids. Entropion is when the eyelid is
inverted towards the eye, while ectropion is when the eyelid turns outwards from the eye. Both
conditions can lead to the same symptoms, which include impaired vision, irritation of the eye, an
aesthetically-unpleasant look, and general discomfort of the eye.
Entropion Symptoms and Treatment Options
As mentioned, entroption is when the eyelid is turned inwards. Commonly, this results in the eyelashes
rubbing against the eyeball. In the vast majority of entropion cases, the eyelid affected is the lower
eyelid, though it’s possible for the condition to affect the upper eyelid. Eyelid entropion has a variety of
causes, including age, trauma, neurological conditions, and infection. The disease can also be congential,
which means it’s a condition that people are born with.
Because the eyelashes rub against the eyeball, patients with entropion often suffer from significant
eyeball irritation, redness, tearing, and, in some severe cases, scratching or scarring of the cornea and
vision loss.
Entrpion can be permanently fixed through surgery. During entropion surgery, surgeons tighten the
eyelid. In some cases, grafts may be needed to deal with scarring. Entropion surgery is an outpatient
procedure, which allows for patients to return home almost immediately. As with other surgeries
performed on or around the eye, patients can expect to have a black eye in the days following the
procedure, though the bruising will quickly recede.
Ectropion Symptoms and Treatment Options
Patients with ectropion have eyelids that turn away from the eyeball, creating a sagging or drooping
appearance. Because the eyelid is often drooping away from the eye, the eye is exposed to the
elements, causing eye irritation, redness, tearing, and vision loss in extreme cases. Ectropion is normally
caused by age. As a person ages, the eyelids tend to relax, leading to ectropion. Other causes for the
condition include scarring, trauma, and facial palsy.
Typically, the best way to treat ectropion is through surgery. The classic surgical technique is a method
called tarsal strip method and canthoplasty. Patients who suffer from a specficic type of ectropion called
cicatricialectropion may require a special surgery. Surgery that deals with cicatricialectropion adds
additional skin to the lower eyelid. In certain cases, surgeons will use a skin flap from the upper eyelid to
create a more even and matching look to the eyes.
Like entropion surgery, ectropion surgery is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure. No matter which
surgery a patient receives, he or she should remember to be accompanied by a fellow adult the day of
the procedure. The surgery patient will not be allowed to drive immediately after the surgery has been
performed, so a friend or loved one is necessary to drive.
Ectropion surgery patients will also experience a “black eye” in the days following the procedure, as well
as swelling, irritation, tenderness, and general discomfort of the eye. These symptoms are only
temporary, however, and should abate in the days and weeks following the surgery.