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Reconstructive Oculoplastics

Entropion and Ectropion Repair

Treatment planning for an eyelid that turns inward or outward and no longer protects or lubricates the eye normally.

Overview

What This Evaluation Addresses

Entropion turns the eyelid inward, allowing lashes or skin to rub the eye. Ectropion turns it outward, which can interfere with closure, tear drainage, and surface protection. Age-related laxity is common, but scarring, facial nerve weakness, prior surgery, and masses can also contribute.

Reasons to Seek Evaluation

  • Lashes rubbing the eye or a persistent foreign-body sensation
  • Tearing, redness, discharge, or surface irritation
  • An eyelid that visibly rolls inward or pulls away from the eye
  • Difficulty closing the eye after facial weakness, trauma, or surgery

Recovery and Next Steps

Plan Around the Individual Treatment

Lubrication or temporary measures may protect the eye while definitive care is planned, but the underlying cause determines treatment. Increasing pain, light sensitivity, or reduced vision warrants prompt eye evaluation.

Common Questions

Can drops correct eyelid position?

Lubrication can reduce surface symptoms, but it generally does not correct structural eyelid malposition.

Is repair the same for every patient?

No. Repair targets the specific combination of laxity, muscle weakness, scarring, or tissue displacement found on examination.

Why is the eye surface examined?

An inward- or outward-turning lid can damage or expose the cornea, so eye protection is a central part of the evaluation.

American Academy of Ophthalmology: Entropion

This page provides general education, not a diagnosis or treatment recommendation. Candidacy, risks, alternatives, and recovery must be discussed during an appropriate clinical evaluation. Seek urgent care for sudden or severe eye symptoms.

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