Entropion and ectropion are serious conditions of the eye that significantly diminish a person’s quality of life. Along with upsetting changes to the appearance of the face, entropion and ectropion can cause debilitating physical symptoms. Below, we briefly describe what these two conditions are, followed by a summary of surgical repair options.

Entropion

Entropion is an inward rolling of the lower eyelid that causes the eyelashes and skin to rub against the eyeball and mucus membranes. Entropion can cause:

• Discomfort
• Redness
• Pain
• Sensitivity to light and wind
• Involuntary crying
• Mucous discharge
• Crusting around the eye

If you’ve been diagnosed with entropion, seek medical attention immediately if you experience:

• Redness that becomes severe quickly
• Pain
• Sensitivity to light
• Reduced vision

Surgical repair options

Surgery is almost always required to repair entropion. The exact type of surgery you receive depends on the root cause of the condition. Entropion causes can be broadly categorized as age-related or trauma-related.

Regardless of what type of surgery you have, you will experience some tightness, swelling, bruising, and discomfort after surgery. We recommend using cold compresses to provide some relief. You will also receive some antibiotic ointment to apply to the eye for about a week until the stitches are removed.

Ectropion

Ectropion is an outward rolling of the eyelid that leaves the membranes exposed. Ectropion can cause:

• Excessive tearing
• Excessive dryness
• Irritation
• Sensitivity to light

If you’ve been diagnosed with ectropion, seek medical attention immediately if you experience:

• Redness that becomes severe quickly
• Ulcers
• Sensitivity to light
• Reduced vision

Surgical repair options

Just like entropion, surgery is almost always required to repair ectropion. Ectropion causes can also be broadly categorized as age-related or trauma-related.

You will experience some tightness, swelling, bruising, and discomfort after surgery. Use cold compresses to provide some relief. You will also receive some antibiotic ointment and steroid ointment to apply to the eye several times per day until the stitches are removed after about a week.

Don’t let inward or outward rolling of the eyelids cause you any more pain or embarrassment. If you live in Tampa Bay and are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above for entropion or ectropion, contact us to set up a free consultation appointment. Dr. Older is licensed, board certified, and an expert in the field of ophthalmology. He provides reconstructive surgery options for both conditions using the most updated surgical techniques in a clean, safe environment.