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What is an entropion?
An entropion occurs where an eyelid turns inwards towards the eye. This causes the eyelashes to rub against the front of the eye (the cornea). The lower eyelid is most commonly affected.
Symptoms of entropion
The symptoms of entropion result from the friction of your eyelashes and outer eyelid against the surface of your eye. You may have signs and symptoms such as:
- The feeling that there’s something in your eye
- Redness of the white part of your eye
- Eye irritation or pain
- Sensitivity to light and wind
- Watery eyes (excessive tearing)
- Mucous discharge and eyelid crusting
- Decreased vision
Causes of entropion
Entropion can be present at birth (congenital).
In babies, it rarely causes problems because the lashes are very soft and do not easily damage the eye. In older people, the condition is most often caused by a spasm or weakening of the muscles surrounding the lower part of the eye.
Another cause can be trachoma infection, which can lead to scarring of the inner side of the lid. This is rare in North America and Europe. However, trachoma scarring is one of the three leading causes of blindness in the world.
Risk factors for entropion are:
- Aging
- Chemical burn
- Infection with trachoma
Entropion Diagnosis
Diagnosis of entropion is fairly straightforward through examination. Any underlying causes or irritants should be dealt with prior to attempting surgical correction. Breeders should pay close attention to puppies, especially thos ehtta are prone, and have them checked for entropion if their eyelids do not open by four or five weeks old.
Entropion Risk Factors
Age, previous surgeries, burns or trauma and eye infections are the main risk factors.
Treatment for entropion
Artificial tears can keep the eye from becoming dry and may help you feel better. Surgery to correct the position of the eyelids works well in most cases.
