Ectropion and entropion are an outward or inward rotation of the eyelid, respectively. The eyelids are important in protecting the eyeballs and preventing damage. However, eyelids can become incorrect in their position. 

The two most common forms of the eyelid in correction are: 

Ectropion

Ectropion is a condition where the eyelid rolls out. Ectropion is more visible and can feel uncomfortable.

Entropion 

Entropion is the rolling in of the eyelid. While ectropion is more visible, entropion is more pressing to treat due to the risk of the eyelashes rubbing against the eyeball and causing damage. 

Causes and Symptoms

Both ectropion and entropion are most commonly caused by aging changes, which can cause an imbalance of the eyelid muscles, forcing the eyelid to either roll in or out. These conditions can also be caused by scarring in the eyelid, and in some cases, people can be born with it. 

Those with the condition can experience symptoms of foreign body sensation, burning sensation, or redness in the eye. In some cases, ectropion and entropion can increase the mucus discharge within the eye, which can often be mistaken for an infection. 

Treating Ectropion and Entropion

Both ectropion and entropion can be treated using non-invasive techniques, such as using tape to pull the eyelid out or applying lubrication to make the eye more comfortable. However, these are only temporizing techniques, and surgery is usually needed to correct the condition.

Surgery can include tightening the eyelid in the corner or rebalancing the muscles to ensure the eyelid remains in the correct position. If the ectropion or entropion is caused by scarring, a procedure to release the scar and treat the underlying cause of the scarring can be performed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is entropion or ectropion dangerous?

While entropion or ectropion aren’t life threatening, they can have an impact on vision if left untreated or if the condition has damaged the surface of the eyelid. 

Are there treatment options that don’t include surgery?

There are ways of managing symptoms of entropion and ectropion, such as the taping of the eyelid if it is rolling in or the lubrication of the eye to make it more comfortable. 

What are the side effects of the treatment?

Surgeries are not high risk. Treatment won’t impact your vision. However, with any surgery, there is a rare risk of bleeding, scarring and infection. 

Whenever we operate on the eyelid, there is a risk of dry eye symptoms following surgery as a result of a decrease in oil production. There is also a risk of recurrence of the condition over time due to progression of aging changes in the eyelid.