ENTROPION REPAIR
Entropion is an eyelid malposition defined by the eyelid turning inward. This can result in the eyelid rubbing up against the eye, lashes poking the eye, lots of tearing, and eye irritation. If left untreated, entropion can cause more serious complications, such as corneal abrasions or ulcers, which could eventually impair vision. The corrective surgery for this procedure is an entropion repair, but patient’s first need to recognize the symptoms of entropion.
Symptoms of Entropion
- Tearing and watery eyes
- Grittiness or a foreign body sensation inside the eyes
- Eye redness
- Eye pain
- Discharge from the eye that is white or mucoid
- Sensitivity to light
- Blurred vision
Entropion primarily affects the lower eyelid and can occur in one or both eyes. While it is most commonly associated with aging due to the increased laxity of eyelid tissues, entropion can result from a myriad of conditions.
Causes of Entropion
- Age-related laxity and loose eyelids
- Scarring of the inside of the eyelid (conjunctival scarring)
- Previous eyelid surgery
- Trauma
- Burns and chemical burns
- Congenital causes present at birth
- Overriding skin and muscle (epiblepharon)
- Eyelid muscle spasms and overaction of the eyelid muscles
- Inflammatory conditions that affect the eyelids and conjunctiva
- Mucus membrane pemphigoid/ Ocular cicatricial pemphigoid (OCP)
- Systemic lupus erythematous (SLE)
- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
- Stevens Johnson Syndrome (drug hypersensitivity)
Entropion Repair and Other Management Options
During your consultation with Dr. Murdock, she will evaluate the type of entropion and discuss all of your options to treat the entropion.
Aggressive lubrication- Lubricating drops and artificial tear ointment can help to alleviate symptoms until a more permanent solution can be implemented.
Tape or steri-strips- Taping the eyelid outward is another temporary measure that improve symptoms until surgery can permanently correct the underlying cause of the entropion.
Botulinum toxin injections- Certain causes of entropion, including spastic and overaction of the orbicularis muscle in the eyelid, can be treated with repeated injections of Botox® or other neuromodulators that relax the muscle.
Entropion repair- Surgical repair of the entropion is the definitive treatment option to correct the eyelid position. Entropion repair may involve tightening the eyelid’s muscles and ligaments, removing a small segment of the eyelid to strengthen its structure, or addressing any scar tissue the is pulling the eyelid inward. If scarring is significant, different flaps or grafts from the mouth or lip may be utilized to restore the natural eyelid shape. The specific surgical technique Dr. Murdock uses depends on the individual’s condition and the entropion’s cause.
Expectations after Entropion Repair
Entropion repair can usually take place in the procedure room in the office with local anesthesia. The repair generally takes less than an hour. Dr. Murdock will give instructions recommending constant cold compresses for the first 48 hours, followed by warm compresses and massage. The irritating symptoms from entropion can be eliminated within the first week. However, the best results after surgery occur after 2-3 months.
Schedule a Consultation with Jennifer Murdock, MD
Entropion is a condition that can cause significant discomfort and, if untreated, lead to serious eye complications. Before infections and corneal scarring occur, prompt examination by a specialist is highly recommended, and you can find that care with Jennifer Murdock, MD. Dr. Murdock is an oculofacial plastic surgeon who specializes in eyelid surgery in Broward and Miami, FL and is highly skilled in eyelid surgery involving entropion repair.
Understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options by a board-certified ophthalmologist like Dr. Murdock is crucial for those affected by this condition. With appropriate medical intervention, including surgery when necessary, most individuals can achieve relief from symptoms and protect their eyes from long-term damage. If you experience symptoms of entropion, it’s essential to consult Dr. Murdock to receive first-rate treatment and entropion repair.
