O entrópio é uma pálpebra inferior virada para dentro, e a principal causa disso é um relaxamento progressivo das pálpebras inferiores relacionado à idade.
O entrópio não pode curar espontaneamente e irá piorar com o tempo. O olho fica irritado porque os cílios da pálpebra inferior estão em contato constante com a córnea. Os sintomas típicos incluem dor, vermelhidão dos olhos, lágrimas e fotofobia. Em alguns casos, a fricção constante dos cílios pode causar infecções graves na córnea.
O entrópio pode ser corrigido apertando horizontal e verticalmente a pálpebra inferior. O relaxamento horizontal é corrigido apertando a pálpebra inferior na borda externa.
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.
