Entropion

Entropion is a malposition resulting in inversion of the eyelid margin. The morbidity of the condition is a result of ocular surface irritation and damage. Successful management of this condition depends on appropriate classification and a procedural choice that adequately addresses the underlying abnormality.

In babies, it rarely causes problems because the lashes are very soft and do not easily damage the eye. In older people, the condition is most often caused by a spasm or weakening of the muscles surrounding the lower part of the eye. Another cause can be trachoma infection, which can lead to scarring of the inner side of the lid. This is rare in North America and Europe.

However, trachoma scarring is one of the three leading causes of blindness in the world. Symptoms include decreased vision if the cornea is damaged, excessive tearing, eye discomfort or pain, eye irritation, redness, sensitivity to light and wind, watery eyes, mucous discharge and eyelid crusting. Although treatments are available to relieve symptoms and protect your eye from damage, you'll likely need surgery to correct entropion.

When active inflammation or infection causes entropion, your eyelid may return to its normal alignment as you treat the inflamed or infected eye. However, entropion often persists after the other condition has been treated. Short-term fixes can be useful if you can't tolerate surgery or you have to delay it. Effective temporary treatments include skin tape, stitches that turn the eyelid outward, Small amounts of onabotulinumtoxinA injection.