Eye condition characterized by inward rolling of the lower eyelid, often causing discomfort and excessive tear production; may be due to aging, trauma, or genetic factors; can be treated through surgery, medication, or eyelid tightening procedures
Entropion, a condition where the eyelid folds inward, can affect up to 2.1% of people over the age of 60, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology. This condition can cause discomfort, tearing, corneal damage, and redness, among other symptoms.
In mild cases, non-surgical treatments may be effective. These include eyelid taping to physically hold the eyelid in a proper position, lubricating eye drops or ointments to protect the cornea and relieve irritation, and Botulinum toxin (Botox) injections to temporarily weaken the muscles that cause the eyelid to turn inward.
For moderate to severe or persistent cases, surgery is often the most effective long-term solution. Common surgical procedures include eyelid retractor repair, canthal tendon tightening or lateral canthal strengthening, lower eyelid retractor advancement, Quickert-Rathbun sutures, and the tarsal strip procedure. These procedures aim to restore the eyelid’s normal anatomy and prevent discomfort, tearing, corneal damage, and redness.
The choice of surgical technique depends on the individual patient's condition, severity of entropion, and surgeon preference. Success rates for surgical correction are reported between 50% to 80%.
Non-surgical treatments can help reduce irritation and the risk of damage while a person is awaiting surgery. These include lubricating ointments and eye drops. In some cases, applying transparent skin tape to the eyelid can temporarily prevent it from folding inward.
After surgery, the person will have to wear an eye patch for approximately 24 hours and will be prescribed antibiotics, steroids, and pain medication. Stitches may be placed along the eyelid during surgery to force it to turn outward, with these stitches usually being absorbable and falling off in a few weeks. Stitches will be removed approximately 7 days after surgery.
It's important to note that surgery increases the risk of complications such as bruising, granuloma, and trichiasis, and it may not be effective in some people. Treatment for entropion can also include eye drops, artificial tears, contact lenses, and temporary treatments if surgery is not possible or declined.
Entropion can have a genetic cause or be due to aging, scarring, bacterial infections, eye surgery, or congenital issues. Symptoms of entropion can include irritation, excessive watering, crusting, mucous discharge, pain, sensitivity to light, sensitivity to wind, sagging skin around the eye, redness in the whites of the eyes, and vision problems.
If you suspect you have entropion, it's important to consult a physician. A physician can usually diagnose entropion with a routine examination of the eye, but they may also check the surrounding tissue and the inside of the eyelids if necessary.
[1] American Academy of Ophthalmology. (n.d.). Entropion. Retrieved from https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/entropion-overview [2] Mayo Clinic. (2021, March 22). Entropion. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/entropion/symptoms-causes/syc-20376921 [3] National Eye Institute. (n.d.). Entropion. Retrieved from https://nei.nih.gov/health/entropion/entropion [4] MedlinePlus. (2021, April 20). Entropion. Retrieved from https://medlineplus.gov/entropion.html [5] EyeSmart. (n.d.). Entropion. Retrieved from https://www.healio.com/eye-care/conditions/entropion/overview
- The science of ophthalmology reveals that aging is a common cause of entropion, a medical condition where the eyelid folds inward, affecting up to 2.1% of people aged 60 and above.
- In the realm of health-and-wellness, it's crucial to prioritize eye-health, and this includes understanding various medical-conditions such as entropion, which can lead to discomfort, tearing, corneal damage, and redness.
- For effective long-term solutions to moderate to severe or persistent cases of entropion, science and medical advancements offer several eye surgeries, such as eyelid retractor repair, quickert-rathbun sutures, and the tarsal strip procedure, aiming to restore the eye's normal anatomy.
