Entropion Repair
Entropion is the medical term used to describe a condition where the lower eyelid and eyelashes turn or roll inward toward the eye. This causes the eyelid and lashes to constantly rub against the cornea (the front part of the eye) and conjunctiva (the mucous membrane that protects the eye).
Usually due to a relaxation of the tissues of the eyelid as a result of aging changes,entropion is most often seen in elderly people. A stretching of the structures supporting the lower eyelid typically develops, permitting the lower eyelid to turn inward.
Entropion may also be caused by inflammation or scarring on the inner surface of the eyelid, eyelid injuries, or tumors. Occasionally entropion is present at birth (congenital) if the eyelids do not form normally. The condition can cause chronic irritation to the eyelid and the eye, resulting in excessive tearing, crusting of the eyelid and mucus discharge, irritation of the cornea, impaired vision, and a constant feeling that a particle is lodged in the eye. Damage to the cornea (the clear part of the eye that allows light to enter the eye), including infection and scarring, may develop due to the chronically turned in eyelid. These are important reasons for having this condition repaired before permanent damage occurs.
The usual management for entropion involves tightening of the eyelid and its attachments to restore some of its elasticity and to reposition it normally. There are a number of surgical techniques for successfully managing an entropion and Dr. Levin will discuss his preferred method with you.
Ectropion Repair
Ectropion is an abnormal lower eyelid that turns outward and no longer touches the eye. As a result, the conjunctiva (the mucous membrane that lines the eyelid) may become red and exposed. This condition usually involves one or both lower eyelids but, rarely, may affect the upper eyelid(s).
Ectropion is usually due to relaxation of the tissues of the eyelid as a result of aging changes. Thus, it is most often seen in elderly people who develop stretching of the structures supporting the lower eyelid. It can also arise as a result of undetected skin cancers pulling down the eyelid, trauma, contraction of scar tissue (from wounds, burns, or surgery) involving the skin surrounding the lower eyelid, and eyelid or facial surgery. Ectropion may develop following facial nerve palsy (Bells palsy), in which the muscles surrounding the eye (and other facial muscles on that side of the face) are paralyzed. Finally, ectropion may be further aggravated due to constant wiping by the tearing patient, which tends to pull the eyelid further from the eye.
Ectropion can cause chronic irritation to the eyelid and the eye. This can result in excessive tearing, crusting of the eyelid and mucus discharge, infection, irritation of the cornea (the front part of the eye), and impaired vision. When the lower eyelid is turned outward and no longer touches the eye, it cannot properly spread the tear film across the eye, which leads to poor drainage of tears through the nasolacrimal (tear drainage) system. The exposed inner lining of the eyelid becomes dry and inflamed. As a result, the eye may become damaged.
If the ectropion is due to laxity of the eyelid's supporting structures, it is best treated surgically. Depending on the cause, surgery can reposition the eyelid back to its normal position against the eye. This can be accomplished by tightening the eyelid and its attachments in order to restore elasticity, enabling the repositioning of the eyelid. The surgical procedures are usually performed on an outpatient basis while under local anesthesia, often at Dr. Levin’s office.
