Entropion

The entropion is the inversion of the eyelid towards the inner part of the eyeball. This condition produces very annoying symptoms for the person such as ocular irritation constant and the rubbing the eyelashes with the cornea.

Eyelid entropion is one of the main conditions that can occur in the eyelids, especially in the lower eyelid. 

Entropion

The entropion is the inversion of the eyelid towards the inner part of the eyeball. This condition produces very annoying symptoms for the person such as ocular irritation constant and the rubbing the eyelashes with the cornea.

Eyelid entropion is one of the main conditions that can occur in the eyelids, especially in the lower eyelid. 

What is entropion?

Entropion is an eye disorder in which the eyelid bends into the eye causing the eyelid margin and eyelashes to constantly rub against the ocular surface.

The friction generated by the eyelid inwards is very annoying and usually causes chronic irritation, something very delicate. 

When a person suffers from entropion, he may notice that his eyelid is bent inward all the time or that it only happens when he blinks strongly or closes his eyes and squeezes his eyelids.

This condition can affect both the upper and lower eyelids or both at the same time, but it is more common in the lower eyelid and is more common in older adults. 

Entropion types

There are different types of entropion that are classified according to their cause, let's see:

Congenital or childhood entropion

Is the one is present from birth. This type of injury does not usually cause damage, since newborns have very soft eyelashes and the cornea is usually not affected.

Involuntary or senile entropion

This kind of entropion is associated with degenerative diseases that cause an abnormal elongation of the eyelid and alter its stability.

Scar entropion

Es caused by a conjunctival scar which generates a traction on the edge of the eyelid outward. This type of entropion is associated with the eyelid trichiasis or abnormal eyelash growth.

entropion

Spastic entropion

It is produced after a blepharospasm that affects the lower eyelid. This occurs because of loss of skin elasticity people suffer from the elderly.

Main symptoms

The symptoms of entropion are caused by the friction that occurs between the eyelashes and the eyelid against the surface of the cornea.

This friction can cause the following symptoms:  

  • Feeling of having a strange body inside the eye.
  • Redness of the eyes. 
  • Irritation o pain In the eyes.
  • Sensitivity to light or photophobia.
  • Annoyance in the eyes during wind exposure, calefacción or air conditioner
  • Crying eyes with excessive tearing. 
  • Secretions and scabs on the eyelid.

What are the most common causes?

There are different factors that can cause eyelid malposition.

The most prominent are: 

  • Muscular weakness: aging causes weakness in the muscles of the eyes, which tend to weaken and lose stability. This is the most common cause of entropion.
  • Scars and surgeries: Scars that are produced by trauma, burns and surgeries can affect the curve of the eyelid.
  • Eye infection: Trachoma eye infection can cause entropion due to the formation of scars on the inner part of the eyelid. 
  • Inflammation: When the eyes are inflamed or irritated due to dry eyes, it can cause the person to rub his eyelids very hard. This can cause a muscle spasm that causes the eyelid to bend inward. 
entropion surgery

Entropion Surgery

Some ointments and artificial tears can help relieve the symptoms of entropion.

El definitive treatment of entropion consists of performing surgery eye such as blepharectomy or eyelid retractor surgery. The medical specialist in charge of performing such procedures must be an oculoplastic surgeon.  

La entropion surgery is a procedure simple and ambulatory which is done under the influence of the Anesthesia local, generally applied in drops.

After surgery the patient may notice a immediate improvement, since the symptoms disappear the same day you undergo the intervention.

Entropion is a pathology that cannot be prevented and must be treated in time to avoid major complications such as corneal infections and loss of vision.

Summary
Entropion: what is it, causes and treatment
Article name
Entropion: what is it, causes and treatment
Description
Entropion is an eye disorder that causes very annoying symptoms for those who suffer from it. We tell you what it is and how it is treated.
Author
Name of the editor
Área Oftalmológica Avanzada
Editor's logo