Although entropion is most commonly associated with aging, it can also be caused by an acute spastic response to infection, inflammation or ocular trauma.
Other symptoms associated with an ectropion are discomfort, excessive tearing, redness in the eyelid, eye irritation, the sensation of having something in your eye and sensitivity to light.
The irritation to the cornea caused by the entropion can lead to vision-threatening complications such as infection and corneal ulcers. Therefore, you should not ignore this disorder. If the irritation, redness and discomfort suddenly becomes much worse, you should immediately contact your eye doctor – as this can be the sign of an ocular emergency.
How is an Entropion Detected?
An entropion is detected during a comprehensive physical or eye exam. If your primary care doctor sees an entropion during your physical, he may refer you to an eye doctor or ophthalmologist for treatment. Using a slit lamp examination, your eye doctor will examine your eyelids, lashes, and eyes.
How is an Entropion Treated?
The treatment of your entropion will depend on the severity of symptoms. In mild cases, your symptoms may be controlled using the standard treatment for dry eye syndrome, including lubricating eye drops and ointments. Wearing a patch at night may also help reduce irritation.
If you entropion is caused by a spastic response, the therapeutic injection of small amounts of botulinum toxin – Botox®, can be effective. This injection weakens the underlying muscle that causes the spasm. The injection can also be repeated, if necessary.
A temporary solution, particularly if your entropion is caused by spasm, or if you are unable to have a more permanent surgical procedure, is a minor procedure called Quickert suturing. Two or three heavy sutures, that are placed in precise locations, are used to turn the eyelid out. This procedure, which requires no incision, is done under local anesthesia in the office. While this can provide effective, short-term relief, the procedure does have a high failure rate and usually does not provide a permanent solution for entropion.
Therefore, surgical treatment is frequently required for more severe inversion to prevent potential vision loss. If your entropion is related to the natural aging process, the surgery may involve removing and/or tightening the supporting muscles and tendons for your eyelid to remain in an everted position.
After diagnosing an entropion, our board certified ophthalmologist has completed an advanced fellowship in Ocular Plastic Surgery, will review the appropriate treatment options with you. He is a specialist in providing therapeutic injection, minor procedures such as Quickert suturing and surgical treatment for an entropion.
During these procedures which are done at our conveniently located Plymouth Laser and Surgical Center (PLSC), you will feel little or no discomfort. On the day of treatment, you will be welcomed by a PLSC staff member.
If you are having a therapeutic injection of Botox® or Quickert suturing, you will remain in your street clothes. Topical and/or local anesthesia will be used, and you will remain comfortable during the treatment.
If you are having a surgical procedure, the staff will help you prepare for your surgery by putting eye drops in your eye. You will be given a gown to wear over your street clothes during your actual surgery.
You may be given a relaxing sedative along with local anesthetic. An injection will also be given around the eye to prevent movement. The procedure normally takes about 30-40 minutes. In most cases, about a dozen tiny stitches will be used to close the incision, which will remain in place for up to two weeks and will self-dissolve. Typically, no eye patching is necessary.
Immediately after the surgery, you will rest in a comfortable reclining chair. Your family members may then join you in reviewing your follow-up care and schedule. You may be given medication or eyedrops to prevent infection.
Your eye may appear to be bruised and swollen following the surgery. However, this should not cause significant discomfort. Your surgeon will check your eye the morning after surgery to monitor healing, and check for signs of inflammation and infection.
The stitches are usually self-absorbing, and you should keep the surgical area clean.
Some potential complications from ectropion surgery include the risk of bleeding, infection and hematoma, which can usually be successfully treated. The benefit of preventing the potentially vision-threatening consequences of untreated entropion would normally outweigh these risks.
