Entropion Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Understanding
Entropion is a condition in which the eyelid turns inward causing the eyelashes and skin to rub against the outer lining of the eye. This can cause irritation and discomfort to the eyes.
A person with entropion may have their eyelids turn all the time or only when they blink hard or close their eyes hard. This condition is more common in adults and generally only affects the lower eyelid.
Symptoms of entropion can be managed with artificial eye drops or lubricating fluids. However, generally, surgery may be needed to completely correct the condition. If left untreated, entropion can cause damage to the cornea (the transparent layer that lines the front of the eye), eye infections, and reduced vision.
Symptom
Signs and symptoms of entropion may arise as a result of friction of the eyelashes and outer eyelid with the lining of the eye. Signs and symptoms that can occur include:
1. Stuffy feeling in the eyes
2. Red eye
3. Pain or irritation in the eye
4. Increased sensitivity of the eye to light or wind
5. Watery eyes (increased tear production)
6. The presence of fluid from the eye and the formation of crusts on the eye
7. Decreased visibility
Reason
Entropion can be caused by many things, including:
- muscle weakness As we get older, the muscles under the eyes begin to weaken and the tendons experience pulling. This is the most common cause of entropion.
- Previous injuries or surgeries. Skin broken by chemicals, injury, or surgery can change the normal curvature of the eyelids.
- Eye infection. One type of eye infection known as trachoma is quite common in several developing countries. This condition can cause scarring of the inner eyelid, which can lead to entropion and even blindness.
- Inflammation. Eye irritation resulting from dry or inflamed eyes may cause a person to try to relieve it by rubbing their eyes or closing their eyes. This can cause stiffness of the eyelid muscles and folding of the edges of the eyelids inward.
- Developmental complications. If entropion has occurred at birth, this can be caused by an additional fold of the eyelids during fetal formation which causes the eyelids to fold inward.
Some factors that increase a person’s risk of experiencing entropion are:
- Age. The older an individual is, the more likely it is to develop entropion.
- History of previous cuts or injuries. Someone who has experienced burns or injuries to the face, scar tissue that occurs after wound healing can increase the risk of entropion.
- Trachoma infection. Because trachoma can cause sores or scarring of the inside of the eyelids, individuals who have had trachoma have a higher chance of developing entropion.
Diagnosis
Entropion can generally be diagnosed after a medical interview and physical eye exam. The doctor can examine the eyelids during a physical eye examination and ask the patient to blink or close their eyes.
The purpose of the examination is to assess the position of the eyelids against the eyeball, the strength of the eyelid muscles, and their tightness. If entropion is suspected due to scar tissue, a history of previous surgery, or other conditions, the doctor can examine the tissue around the eye.
Treatment
The treatment approach to entropion depends on the cause. Non-surgical treatment is available to treat complaints and protect the eye from damage.
If the entropion is caused by active inflammation or infection, the eyelids may return to their normal position if the inflammatory or infectious process is treated. However, entropion can persist even after other conditions have been treated. Surgery is generally needed to completely treat entropion.
Temporary treatment can be done if an individual cannot undergo surgery or wants to postpone it. Some temporary treatments that can be effective are:
- Contact lens. Doctors can suggest the use of contact lenses as a cornea protector to help relieve complaints.
- Stitches to restore the position of the eyelids. The doctor may suggest stitches to correct the position of the eyelids. This action aims to change the position of the eyelids to face outward again. However, after a few months, the eyelids may retract inwards. So, this is not a long-term solution.
- Botulinum toxin injection. Botulinum toxin injections may be recommended by doctors to restore the position of the eyeball.
The surgical procedure that is undertaken depends on the condition of the tissue around the eyelids and the cause of the entropion. If the entropion is age-related, the doctor may remove a small portion of the lower eyelid. This can tighten weak tendons or muscles.
However, if entropion is suspected to be caused by scar tissue on the inside of the eyelid or there is a history of previous surgery, the doctor may perform a different type of surgery. Before the operation, the patient will be given a local anesthetic to anesthetize the eyelids and the surrounding area. After surgery, the doctor may prescribe an antibiotic ointment for the eye and the patient may be advised to compress the eye regularly to reduce swelling.
Prevention
In general, entropion cannot be prevented. However, one type of entropion caused by trachoma infection can be prevented by getting proper early treatment when someone has the infection.