Entropion is condition in which the eyelid margins turn inward, causing the eyelashes to rub against the cornea and irritate the eye.
The symptoms of entropion may include eye irritation, redness, excessive tearing, sensitivity to light, a feeling of discomfort or foreign body sensation in the eye, and blurred vision. In some cases, entropion can lead to corneal abrasions or ulcers if left untreated.
In rare cases, the condition may be present from birth but it is most often seen as a result of ageing. Other causes include muscle spasms, injuries or infections that affect the eyelids. With severe entropion, the eyelashes brush against the eye causing irritation and eventually damage to the cornea, which may cause vision loss. To prevent this kind of damage surgery is often recommended for severe cases of entropion.
When the condition is mild it may be treated with eye drops to alleviate discomfort. Other therapies are available that may encourage the eyelid to turn outwards. The most effective treatment is surgery. By tightening the muscles and tissues in the eyelids, surgeons can restore them to the correct position. The surgery is considered safe and recovery usually only takes a few weeks.
