Information on Entropion Surgery

Entropion is the medical term used to describe rolling inward of the lower eyelid and eyelashes towards the eye. The skin of the eyelid and the eyelashes rub against the cornea and conjunctiva (the front part of the Eyeball). This rubbing can lead to excessive tearing, crusting of the eyelid, mucous discharge, a feeling that something is in the eye and impaired vision.

Most cases of entropion are due to relaxation of the tissues of the eyelid as a result of aging. Some times it may result from scarring of the inner surface of the eyelid caused by chemical and thermal burns, inflammatory diseases or allergic reactions.

Entropion should be repaired surgically because the rubbing of eyelashes may damage the cornea by causing infection and scarring.

Risks associated with entropion surgery include bleeding, scarring, irritation from sutures, wound dehiscence, recurrence of entropion and very rarely damage to eye or eyesight.

The surgery to repair entropion is usually performed under local anaesthesia as a day case procedure.

Is the local anaesthetic injection painful?

This varies from person to person. A very fine needle is used and there may be a feeling of pain, stinging or pressure which usually lasts less than a minute.

What does Entropion surgery involve?

In most cases the lower eyelid is tightened through a small incision at the outer corner of the eyelid and a few stiches to evert the lower eyelid. You will have a patch for a few hours and then use an antibiotic ointment (3 times a day) from following day, for about a week. The eyelid can appear bruised and swollen for up to 2 weeks. You may feel some tenderness at the outer corner of the eyelid for up to 2 months. The stiches are usually self dissolving. After your eyelids heal, your eye should feel comfortable.