Entropion

What is entropion?

Entropion is the medical term used to describe an abnormal inward turning of the eyelid, most commonly the lower eyelid. The major causes of entropion include age-related laxity of the eyelid and inflammatory scarring of the inner layer of the eyelid. Entropion causes the lashes to rub on the surface of the eye leading to tearing, redness and irritation of the eye. There is also a risk of permanent damage to the surface of the eye.

What is the treatment for lower eyelid entropion?

Surgery is performed to reposition the affected lid. Normally a small incision is made at the outer corner of the lower lid and the loose structures stretched and shortened, then resutured to the tissue overlying the bone at the outer corner. Another incision is made below the lashes to tighten the lower eyelid “retractors” in order to stabilize the lid position. If scarring on the back surface of the lid is the cause of the entropion, it may be necessary to place a graft to correct the entropion.

What happens on the day of surgery?

The surgery lasts between 30 to 60 minutes per lid and is usually performed under local anesthesia (numbing injections around the eyelid) with or without sedation. The procedure is often done as a day surgery, this means you can likely go home after the operation providing you are safe to do so. If surgery is performed on only one lid it is usually padded until the following day.  

What are the risks of Entropion Surgery?

As with any surgical procedure, entropion surgery has inherent risks and potential complications. It is crucial for any individual considering this surgery to be fully aware of them.

• Common Temporary Side Effects: These include swelling, bruising and dry eyes. These usually resolve within two to three weeks.

• Potential Complications:

• Scarring: While final scaring is usually minimal, scarring can be initially visible or raised.

• Infection and Bleeding: There is a small risk of post-operative infection.

• Weakened eyelid closure: This is an uncommon condition that is usually temporary but sometimes permanent, requiring additional treatment.

• Eye Injury: Extremely rare but serious risks include injury to the eye muscles and the globe.

• Unsatisfactory Aesthetic Result: The outcome may not meet the patient's expectations.

• Need for Revision Surgery: In some cases, a secondary procedure may be necessary to achieve the desired result or to address complications.

At your clinic visit, Dr. Chen will discuss the procedure, its potential benefits and risks and expected recovery process with you. To ensure that you are well-prepared for surgery, Dr. Chen may sometimes ask that you have more than one clinic visit prior to the day of surgery.