Correct Entropion and Ectropion With Reconstructive Surgery

As people age, they may develop lower eyelid issues known as entropion and ectropion. These conditions cause the lower lid to turn either inward or outward. Over time, your vision can become impaired and you may suffer discomfort. If the eye discomfort is diagnosed as a result of entropion or ectropion, it is sometimes necessary to have eyelid reconstruction surgery performed to correct the malpositioned eyelid before permanent eye damage occurs.

Ectropion and entropion are two tissue defects that affect the eyelids and prevents them from functioning protectively. Both of these conditions can be uncomfortable and/or painful and should be dealt with immediately in order to prevent any further damage from occurring. Ectropion is any excess tightening of skin or eye muscles that causes the eyelid to push outward or completely invert from its normal position. This prevents the eyelid from covering and moistening the eyeball, which can cause discomfort. Entropion pulls the eyelid inwards so that the eyelashes are in contact with the eyeball. This is an uncomfortable condition that may lead to infection if left untreated.

What is ectropion?

Ectropion occurs when the eyelid turns outwardly, exposing the inner surface. Symptoms of ectropion can include dry eyes, excessive tearing, or even redness of the lid or whole part of the eye.

This condition only affects the lower lids. It can be congenital, or it can occur as a consequence of aging, certain cancer treatments, facial nerve damage, trauma to the facial skin or prior eyelid surgery. Ectropion eyelids cannot distribute tears properly and as a consequence, the eye may be dry and irritated. Sometimes the tears spill over and drip constantly. Uncorrected ectropion can lead to corneal ulcers.

This eyelid malposition causes the lid to roll outward or sag downward. The outward roll decreases eyelid protection of the eye and leads to excessive exposure, tearing, crusting of the eyelid, mucus discharge, and eventually, the breakdown of the cornea. Ectropion is also a natural result of aging, but it may also result from facial nerve paralysis, a condition that prevents the eye from closing completely.

What is entropion?

Another common eye condition is entropion, which is characterized by the eyelid turning inwardly. Symptoms for this condition can also include redness of the white part of the eye, eye irritation, and even sensitivity to the light and wind. It occurs when the eyelid muscles weaken or may be a symptom resulting from trauma, scarring, or previous eyelid surgeries.

Most commonly, this condition only affects the lower lid. Because of the fold, the eyelashes rub against the cornea, causing pain, redness and irritation. The condition is very uncomfortable and if not corrected can lead to scarring of the cornea, eye infection, and even permanent damage. It most commonly affects newborns, as a congenital condition, and the elderly, as a consequence of aging-related sagging skin. It can also be a consequence of facial scarring. Though both conditions can be irritating and painful for many patients, there is a surgical solution. One of the most efficient treatment options available for this condition is eyelid reconstructive surgery. A reconstructive plastic surgeon can correct these conditions with a simple procedure that requires only local anesthesia and can turn the eye lid inward or outward. Though the procedures used to correct these ailments are considered to be simple, they should only be completed by a highly trained and experienced reconstructive plastic surgeon. This is important because the area around the eye is very delicate; recruiting an individual to perform this procedure that does not have the proper training or experience can lead to further damage being done and also put you in jeopardy.

Eyelids sometimes fold improperly, which creates a host of problems for an individual. Eyelids can fold inward or outward with each bringing about different symptoms. However, the same type of surgery is usually the recommended treatment for both.

If you have been experiencing persistent eye irritation and redness, excessive watering, excessive dryness, light sensitivity or other changes to the eyes consult a medical doctor for diagnosis. It is important that the conditions be treated because otherwise serious vision-impairing damage to the cornea may occur. Lubricating ointments and eyedrops may be prescribed to help prevent damage while waiting for surgical repair.

What does eyelid reconstructive surgery entail?

In the case of entropion, the muscle is tightened and some of the skin is removed. Ectropion is corrected by relieving the underlying cause, which might be a tumor or some type of inflammation. Excising the cause of tissue swelling is one fix, but others might include loosening the skin and muscles or else pulling the skin in another direction.

Entropian or ectropion caused by aging can be corrected by simply removing a small piece of eyelid and suturing the eyelid back together. Correcting ectropion or entropian caused by other conditions is more complicated and may require skin grafting and multiple procedures. Facial surgery performed by a certified cosmetic plastic surgeon is more likely to produce successful results and less likely to be troubled by side effects such as damage to facial nerves.

The doctor may first recommend lubricating drops to temporarily relieve the discomfort. But, eventually it will be necessary to have eyelid reconstructive surgery. This is usually a non-invasive out-patient procedure proven to correct malposition eyelid issues such as entropion and ectropion. The procedure takes approximately an hour and vision clears up after the surgery within 24 hours. Most people having surgery can return to work in under a week.