What is it?

Entropion is an eyelid pathology in which the lower eyelid is inverted (the lower eyelid is pushed into the eye), causing the eyelashes to continuously rub against the ocular conjunctiva.

Causes

The most common cause is laxity (the eyelid becomes more flaccid) due to age. Entropion is associated with hypertrophy of the orbicularis muscle (eyelid muscle) that causes the lower eyelid to “invert” (the lower eyelid is bent inward).

Another cause is scarring diseases of the conjunctiva (such as pemphigoid or chemical burns), which cause, through fibrosis, a shortening of the bulbar conjunctiva and traction of the lower eyelid.

Blepharospasm (involuntary and continuous tightening of the eyelids) can cause entropion.

Can entropion be prevented?

Unfortunately there are no preventive measures. The only preventive measure is to make regular consultations with your ophthalmologist to diagnose the condition in early stages.

Symptoms

The continuous rubbing of the eyelashes against the surface of the bulbar conjunctiva (the conjunctiva that lines the anterior part of the eyeball) causes chronic irritation, with the consequent hyperemia (redness) of the eye, a sensation of a foreign body (grit). In more serious cases, the eyelashes may rub against the cornea, causing corneal alterations (scars and / or wounds), which are associated with photophobia (intolerance to light) and pain.

Diagnosis

The most serious and / or advanced cases can be diagnosed with the naked eye. An ophthalmological examination that pays special attention to the anterior segment and the palpebral dynamics is indicated.

Prognosis

If the entropion is not corrected, a progressive worsening can be expected, with consequent corneal involvement (scars, ulcers, pain).

Treatment

The treatment for entropion is surgery. A symptomatic medical treatment (tears and eye lubricants) can be used, in addition to a temporary treatment, using adhesive strips that pull the lower eyelid down.

The most subtle surgical techniques are the lateral tarsal strip, blepharectomy and action on the retractor muscles of the eyelid.