ECTROPION & ENTROPION

 Basic information

description

Ectropion is a disorder of the eyelid in which it turns outward (inside out). Entropion is a disorder of the eyelid (usually the lower) in which it curls inward toward the eye.

FREQUENT SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

• Ectropion:
  • Turning out of the eyelid, usually the lower.
  • Pain, redness, and swelling in the affected eyelid.
  • Poor eye lubrication, caused when lubricating tears run down the cheek instead of into the eye.
• Entropion:
  • Swelling, redness, pain, and excessive tears of the eye. This is caused by the eyelid turning inward and the lashes rubbing against the cornea.

causes

• Ectropion:
  • Weakening of the muscles and tissues that normally support the lid against the eye.
  • Paralysis of the nerve going to the eyelid muscles.
  • Shrinking of scar tissue from burns, wounds, or surgery near the eye.
• Entropion:
  • Relaxation of the eyelid's supporting tissue along with the inward pull of the eyelid muscles.
  • Chronic eye inflammation (including allergy), creating scar tissue in the eyelid.

risk increases with

Older adults.

PREVENTIVE MEASURES

Cannot be prevented at present.

expected outcomes

Usually curable with surgery.

possible complications

• Ectropion—corneal damage caused by dryness.
• Entropion—blister of the cornea from eyelash and eyelid irritation.

 diagnosis & treatment

general measures

• Your eye care provider can diagnose either disorder by an exam of the affected eye.
• Treatment involves minor surgery.
• Apply warm compresses to the eyelids several times a day for swelling and pain. To prepare compresses:
  • Pour warm water into a clean bowl. Soak a clean cloth in the water. Wring it out until it is almost dry.
  • Apply the warm, moist cloth to the closed eye for 10 to 15 minutes. Remoisten the cloth frequently.
• Wear protective glasses or goggles if you are exposed to wind or pollutants.

medications

• Artificial tears may be recommended until surgery can be performed.
• Antibiotics may be prescribed if infection is present.

activity

No limits.

diet

No special diet.

 notify our office if

• You or a family member has symptoms of ectropion or entropion.
• The following occur after surgery:
  • Eye pain, redness, or sensitivity to light.
  • Vision changes in any way.

Special Notes: