ENTROPION

Entropion is a pathological condition of the eyelids in which the lower eyelid (and in very rare cases the upper eyelid) turns inward, causing the eyelashes to irritate the front surface of the eye, the cornea.

The most common cause is age, which causes the eyelid tissues to become loose. Other causes are inflammatory conditions of the conjunctiva, such as cicatricial pemphigoid, chemical burns, infection, or previous trauma to the eyelid.

Entropion can cause:

• Constant foreign body sensation
• Tearing
• Redness
• Purulent discharge
• Photophobia
• Blurred vision

Due to the constant contact of the eyelashes with the cornea, entropion can lead to serious infections and corneal ulcers. Surgical correction is especially critical for patients scheduled for other ocular procedures (such as cataract surgery or corneal transplants) to ensure a sterile environment and proper healing. Consequently, some form of definitive treatment is almost always recommended to protect the health of the eye.

The definitive treatment is surgery, which typically involves tightening or shortening the eyelid to restore it to its natural anatomical position. This procedure is usually performed under local anesthesia and is done on an outpatient basis, meaning the patient does not require hospitalization.

For patients who are not candidates for surgery or prefer a non-invasive option, botulinum toxin (Botox) injections can be administered to the eyelid. However, this is a temporary solution; the effects are not permanent and the treatment must be repeated at regular intervals to remain effective.