What to Know About Entropion and Ectropion Eyelid Reconstructive Surgery

Eyelid reconstructive surgery for entropion and ectropion is performed by a cosmetic plastic surgeon to correct maladies of the eyelid that can affect ocular function and cause discomfort.

What is entropion?

Entropion occurs when the eyelid rolls inward toward the eye. Advancing age and weakening of eyelid muscles are common reasons along, with trauma, scarring and previous surgeries. Turned-in eyelids rub eyelashes against the eye, making it red and irritated, painful and sensitive to light and wind. If left untreated, it can lead to excessive tearing and discharge and scratching of the cornea, in addition to eye infections and corneal ulcers. Entropion should be repaired before permanent eye damage occurs.

What is ectropion?

Ectropion occurs when the lower eyelid rolls out or sags away from the eye, leaving it exposed. When it is not treated, the condition can lead to chronic tearing, irritation, pain, crusting and breakdown of the cornea as the wet inner surface of the eye, the conjunctiva, is not protected. The condition occurs because of aging tissue that has relaxed or as a result of facial paralysis, trauma, surgeries or even skin cancer.

How is entropion and ectropion treated?

Measures such as artificial tears, Botox injections, surgical tape or a series of strategically placed sutures only provide temporary relief. For a full correction of either condition, surgery to tighten eyelid muscles may be required. Local anesthetic and sometimes light sedation is applied for these simple procedures. When the conditions are caused by scarring or previous surgeries, a skin graft may be required to reposition the eyelid.

Because of the delicacy of the area, patients should make sure that they work with a board certified plastic surgeon to ensure the best possible results.