Entropion is an inwardly turned lower eyelid, and the main cause of it is a progressive age-related relaxation of the lower eyelids.
Entropion cannot heal spontaneously and will worsen over time. The eye becomes irritated because the eyelashes of the lower eyelid are in constant contact with the cornea. Typical symptoms include pain, redness of the eyes, tears, and photophobia. In some cases, the constant rubbing of the eyelashes can cause severe infections in the cornea.
Entropion can be corrected by horizontally and vertically tightening the lower eyelid. The horizontal relaxation is corrected by straining the lower eyelid at the outer edge.
Before the actual procedure, we decide on the length of incision that’s most likely to lead to an optimal result, and sketch where the incision will be made onto the skin with a pen. The incision is then made and the muscle lying under the skin is dissected free and removed. The entire lower lid is now separated at the outer lid angle, a section removed to reduce the amount of tissue, and then fixed in place again.
To correct the vertical relaxation, a cut is made under the lower eyelid and the muscles that turn the lower eyelid outwards are strengthened with sutures. Finally, the incision is sutured closed under the lower eyelid. The operation takes about 45 minutes.
The success rate for this procedure is about 90%. The operation can be performed on an outpatient basis under local anaesthesia.
Although infections of the wound area may occur, they are extremely rare after this type of eyelid surgery and are treated with antibiotics.
In 2 out of 100 patients, overcorrection occurs. This usually lasts for about 2 months and resolves on its own. If this is not the case, then a second operation may be necessary.
More often, although a significant improvement is achieved, a complete normalization of the lid position cannot. A perfect result is not always possible – especially not when the entropion has existed for some time.
