What is entropion?

Entropion is a condition in which the lower or sometimes the upper eyelid turns inwards, causing the eyelashes and skin to rub against the eye. This can cause considerable discomfort, such as a feeling of sand in the eye, redness, irritation and excessive watering. If the condition is not treated, it can lead to corneal damage, infections and, in severe cases, loss of sight. Entropion mainly occurs in older people as a result of muscle weakness around the eyelids, but it can also be caused by scarring, inflammation or congenital abnormalities.

Causes of entropion

Entropion can be caused by various factors, including:

Ageing: As people get older, the muscles and tendons around the eyes slacken, which can cause the eyelid to turn inwards.
Scars or previous eye surgery: Damage to the eyelid from injury or previous operations can change the structure of the eyelid and lead to entropion.
Chronic inflammation: Long-term inflammation of the eyelids, such as blepharitis or conjunctivitis, can affect the eyelid skin and muscles, increasing the chance of entropion.
Congenital abnormalities: In some cases entropion can be congenital, where the muscles and tendons around the eyelid have not developed properly.

Symptoms of entropion

The symptoms of entropion can vary depending on the severity of the condition, but the most common symptoms are:

Irritation: A constant feeling of something in the eye, such as sand or dust, caused by the eyelashes rubbing against the eye.
Redness: The eye can become red and inflamed due to the ongoing irritation.
Excessive watering: Due to the irritation, the eyes often produce more tears than normal.
Sensitivity to light: Entropion can lead to increased sensitivity to light (photophobia).
Pain: If the eyelashes and the eyelid constantly rub against the surface of the eye, this can cause pain and discomfort, especially when blinking.
Vision problems: In severe cases, entropion can damage the cornea, leading to blurred vision or infections.

Treatment options for entropion

The treatment of entropion depends on the severity of the condition and the underlying cause. In mild cases temporary solutions can be offered, while surgical correction may be needed for lasting relief.

Non-surgical treatments

In some cases entropion can be treated with non-surgical options, such as:

Eye ointments or artificial tears: Lubricants can be used to keep the eye moist and reduce irritation from the eyelashes. However, this treatment only provides temporary relief and does not address the underlying cause.
Taping the eyelid: Taping the eyelid outwards can provide temporary relief. This technique is often used in patients who cannot undergo an operation straight away for medical reasons.

Surgical correction

For long-term relief, entropion correction is usually necessary. During this procedure the eyelid is returned to the proper position to prevent further damage to the eye. The choice of surgical technique depends on the cause of the entropion.

1. Strengthening the eyelid muscles

For age-related entropion, the most common technique is strengthening the muscles around the eyelid. This can be achieved by tightening the muscle responsible for turning the eyelid and fixing the eyelid in a normal position. This method is effective in restoring normal eyelid function.

2. Removing excess skin or scar tissue

If the entropion is caused by scars or other damage to the skin or tissues around the eye, the surgeon may choose to remove the scar tissue or excess skin. This helps bring the eyelid into a normal position and prevents it from continuing to turn inwards.

3. Skin graft

In some cases, especially when the entropion is caused by severe scarring or a shortage of skin around the eyelid, a skin graft may be needed. Skin from another part of the body is used to restore the structure of the eyelid.

Recovery after entropion correction

After entropion correction, it is important to take good care of the eyes and follow the surgeon's instructions to support a quick and successful recovery. Here are some important points about the recovery process:

Swelling and bruising: Swelling and bruising around the eyes are normal after the operation, but usually disappear within a few days to a week.
Pain relief: Any pain after the operation can be treated with prescribed painkillers.
Eye drops and ointments: It is important to use the prescribed eye drops or ointments to prevent infections and support the recovery process.
Avoiding activities: It is advisable to avoid strenuous activities and exposure to dust or dirt to prevent complications.
Check-ups: Regular check-ups with the doctor are necessary to follow the progress of recovery and detect complications in good time.

Most people make a full recovery within a few weeks of the operation and can resume their normal daily activities after a few days.

Benefits of entropion correction

Entropion correction offers numerous benefits for people who suffer from this condition:

Relief of discomfort: After the correction, the eyelashes no longer rub against the surface of the eye, which provides immediate relief of the symptoms.
Protection of the cornea: The cornea is protected against further damage, which reduces the risk of infections, ulcers and vision problems.
Improved appearance: A successful correction restores the normal position of the eyelid, which can also have a positive effect on the appearance of the eye.
Long-lasting results: Surgical correction usually offers a permanent solution for entropion, especially if the underlying cause is addressed effectively.

Possible complications

Although entropion correction is generally a safe and effective procedure, as with any surgical procedure there are some risks and possible complications:

Infections: As with any operation, there is a risk of infection, although this is rare with proper aftercare.
Bleeding: There may be slight bleeding after the operation, but this usually stops by itself.
Overcorrection: In some cases the eyelid can be pulled outwards too much, which can lead to ectropion (the opposite of entropion). This can usually be corrected with a second procedure.
Dry eyes: After the operation the eyes may feel drier for a while, but this usually improves over time.

Would you like to know whether eyelid surgery is suitable for you? Read more about the options on our page about eyelid surgery.