What is Entropion?
Entropion is the medical term used to describe an inward turning of the lower eyelid.
The majority of Entropia is caused by the laxity of the tissues of the eyelid as a result of the natural ageing process. The eyelid becomes unstable and can turn inwards causing the eyelashes to rub on the front surface of the eye. This can be very uncomfortable and therefore needs treatment.
Occasionally, scarring of the inside of the lid can also pull the eyelid inwards, however, this is quite rare.
What are the Symptoms of Entropion?
Entropion can lead to a foreign body sensation in the eye, excessive tearing, redness and mucous
Discharge. There is also a chance of damage to the surface of the eye.
What is the Treatment for Entropion?
An operation is usually needed to fix entropion. The surgery lasts between 45 to 60 minutes and is Performed with “freezing injections” (local anaesthesia) as a day case procedure. This operation will involve tightening of the lower lid, to correct the lid laxity. You may have a small incision of 10-15mm with a few stitches at the outer corner of the eye or extending down from the edge of the eyelid. In combination with this, there may be other procedures performed depending on the cause of the entropion.
Sometimes a watery eye may persist after successful entropion surgery as the tear ducts may not be
Functioning correctly and this may be corrected with further surgery if necessary.
What should I do in preparation for surgery?
Blood-thinning medications such as aspirin, clopidogrel, rivaroxaban and warfarin can make bleeding more likely during and after surgery. If you are taking these drugs your doctor will tell you if and when to stop these medications prior to surgery. You should also stop anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen (Nurofen), fish oil, ginger, ginseng and garlic containing supplements 2 weeks before surgery.
What Happens After the Operation?
The eye will be padded after surgery and you can then return home to rest. You will be instructed when to remove the dressing over the eye. If no skin graft has been used the eye pad is usually removed the next day. If a skin graft is present, then the dressing may need to remain in place for a few days.
You will also be given a post-operative care leaflet that describes how to clean the eye and apply the medication that you will be given.
It is advisable to keep the operated area relatively dry for 7 days although showering is permitted once the dressings are removed.
Do not swim, wear your contact lenses or eye make-up for 2 weeks, or longer if the eye remains red.
What is the Follow-Up Treatment?
You will be given a clinic appointment for one to two weeks after surgery when the skin stitches will be removed by one of our nurses. If a skin graft has been used, then we may organise to see you in 2-3 days to remove the dressing.
Get in touch with The Medical Eye Clinic for more information on Entropian.