Entropion and Ectropion

Normally your eyelid works as a wiper of your eye to keep it clean and slightly damp. Both entropion and ectropion lead to irritation of your eye. Entropion (the inward rotation of the lid margin) sees your eyelashes scrubbing across your eye and potentially leading to scarring and possible infection. Ectropion (the outward turning of the lid margin) tends to leave your eye dry, uncomfortable and possibly unsightly.

Causes:

Usually caused by ageing, eyelids may develop either entropion or ectropion. Where eyelids turn in and cause eyelashes to rub against your eye, you have developed entropion. Where your eyelid turns out and does not touch your eye that is ectropion.

Treatment:

Dry eye drops or artificial tears (lubricant drops) can be the first line of treatment but simple surgery is often the best remedy.

Blepharoplasty is the name of the operation to reduce excess or loose skin on the upper lids which hang over the upper margins and cause reduced side vision. This is usually very effective in improving side vision as well as providing a more youthful appearance. It is performed in Day Surgery under local anaesthetic with sedation.

For more information: https://ranzco.edu/ophthalmology-and-eye-health/eye-conditions