Ectropion and Entropion of the Eyelids – Treatment

Ectropion and entropion of the eyelids are conditions affecting the eyelid skin.

Ectropion is characterized by the outward turning of the lower eyelid. It is mainly caused by horizontal loosening of the lower eyelid skin over time, or in younger individuals, by eyelid skin tumors, trauma, or burns. Because the eyelid cannot close properly due to the outward turning, the patient experiences excessive tearing, a sensation of a foreign body in the eye, mucous discharge, and impaired vision.

Entropion is the inward turning of the eyelid, usually affecting the lower eyelid. Because it turns inward, the eyelashes rub against the eyeball, causing severe irritation, discomfort, redness, tearing, and eye pain. It can also lead to more serious conditions, such as corneal epithelial detachment, ulcers, and permanent damage to the eyeball.

Eyelid entropion is most often caused by loosening of the eyelid skin and tissues due to aging. It can also result from muscle spasms of the eyelid, disease, trauma, or inflammation that leads to scarring of the eyelid tissues.

Both ectropion and entropion of the eyelid can be surgically corrected under local anesthesia before causing permanent damage to the eye or the patient’s vision. They can be easily repaired with excellent results by the eyelid surgery specialist, plastic surgeon Georgia Chorti.