Entropion

Entropion and trichiasis

Eye with entropion

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An entropion occurs where an eyelid turns inwards towards your eye. This causes the eyelashes to rub against the front of your eye (the cornea). Trichiasis is the medical term used to describe the eyelashes turning in against the front of the eye. The lower eyelid is most commonly affected.

Entropion symptoms

• Irritation and pain on the front of the eye.

• A watery eye.

• Si no se trata, la parte frontal del ojo (la córnea) puede dañarse (puede desarrollarse una úlcera corneal). La córnea es vital para la visión y un damaged cornea puede afectar la vista.

Entropion causes

In the UK, entropion mainly occurs in older people, associated with weakness of the small muscles around the eyelid.

The main cause of entropion worldwide is trachoma. This is a common infection in tropical countries, which affects the front of the eye. This can lead to scarring and disruption to the eyelid, which makes it turn inwards.

Less common causes include scarring (from eye infections, trauma, Stevens-Johnson syndrome or chemical damage) or muscle spasm (spasticity). Rarely, you can be born with a defect that causes the eyelid to turn inwards.

Entropion treatment

If the cause is likely to be temporary, such as an infection or minor injury, the following may be enough until the condition recovers:

• Pegar el párpado a tu mejilla; o

• Injecting the muscles of your eyelid with botulinum toxin.

Lubricating eye ointment is often prescribed in the meantime to protect the front of your eye (cornea).

What is entropion repair surgery?

Si tienes una condición que es poco probable que se recupere por sí sola, se te ofrecerá cirugía. Se realiza una pequeña operación para turn the eyelid back a su posición normal. Esto evita que las pestañas rocen el ojo. La operación suele ser exitosa y previene cualquier daño adicional en la parte frontal del ojo.

La Dra. Mary Lowth es una autora o la autora original de este folleto.