Entropion is a condition in which the inside of your eyelid turns inward, rubbing your eyelashes and skin against the eye surface. This is irritating and inconvenient.
Your eyelid may be turned in all of the time or only when you blink hard or squeeze your eyes shut if you have entropion. Entropion is a condition that affects only the lower eyelid and is more common in older people.
Entropion can be relieved using artificial tears and lubricating ointments. However, surgery is frequently required to rectify the issue entirely. In addition, entropion can damage the transparent coating in the front section of your eye (cornea, and cause eye infections and vision loss if left untreated.
Signs and Symptoms
The friction of your eyelashes and outer eyelid against the surface of your eye causes the signs and symptoms of entropion. You might have the following symptoms:
● The sensation that something is in your eye
● Redness in the eyes
● Irritation or pain in the eyes
● Light and wind sensitivity
● Eyes that are watering (excessive tearing)
● Eyelid crusting and mucous discharge
When Should You See a Doctor?
If you have been diagnosed with entropion and are experiencing the following symptoms:
● Redness in your eyes that is rapidly increasing
● Discomfort
● Light sensitivity
● Decreasing vision
These are indications of corneal damage, which can cause vision problems.
If you continually have something in your eye or find that portions of your eyelashes are turning in toward your eye, make an appointment to visit your doctor. Entropion can cause lasting damage to your eye if left untreated for too long. Before your appointment, start using artificial tears and eye-lubricating ointments to safeguard your eyes.
Causes
Entropion can be triggered by a variety of factors, including:
Muscle weakness. The muscles around your eyes weaken as you get older, and the tendons stretch out. The most common cause of entropion is this.
Scars. The typical curve of the eyelid can be distorted by scarring caused by chemical burns, trauma, or surgery.
Infection of the eyes. Trachoma is a common eye illness found in many underdeveloped countries in Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, and the Pacific Islands. Scarring of the inner eyelid caused by infections can result in entropion and even blindness.
Inflammation. When your eyes are irritated by dryness or inflammation, you may try to relieve the symptoms by rubbing or squeezing your eyelids tight. This can cause the eyelid muscles to spasm and the lid’s edge to roll inward against the cornea (spastic entropion).
A complication in the development of the child. Entropion can be induced by an additional fold of skin on the eyelid that causes turned-in eyelashes when it is present at birth (congenital).
