Entropion & Ectropion Repair

Entropion Repair

What is entropion and how is it repaired? With entropion, the eyelashes and skin of the eyelid turn into the eye; they rub against the cornea causing pain and irritation.

To repair an eyelid with entropion the eye surgeon will make an incision at the outer corner of the eyelid and along the eyelashes; sometimes the incision is made on the inside of the eyelid. Then, the surgeon will tighten the tendons that hold the eyelid in the correct position.

If entropion is caused by caused by scars or prior surgery, the eye surgeon may graft or surgically place a small amount of tissue from another area of the body; this helps lessen the pull on the eyelid caused by the scar and repositions the eyelid. This should help the skin and eyelashes from irritating the cornea.

Ectropion Repair

What is ectropion and how is it repaired? With ectropion, the lining of the inner eyelid is exposed. Tears do not drain properly from the eye leading to tearing and discomfort.

To repair ectropion the eye surgeon may tighten the tendons that normally hold the eyelid in the correct position. He or she may also remove a tiny piece of eyelid tissue to bring the lid back toward the eyeball.

If ectropion is caused by scars or prior surgery, a skin graft or place tissue from another part of the body may be used to relieve the tension caused by the scar and help reposition the eyelid. After surgery, the incisions made in the eyelid are closed with stitches or surgical adhesive.