Entropion

Entropion and trichiasis

Œil avec entropion

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 elle n'est pas traitée, la partie avant de l'œil (la cornée) peut être endommagée (un ulcère cornéen peut se développer). La cornée est essentielle pour la vision et un damaged cornea peut affecter la vue.

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:

• Coller la paupière à votre joue; ou

• 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 vous avez une condition qui est peu susceptible de guérir d'elle-même, une chirurgie vous sera proposée. Une petite opération est effectuée pour turn the eyelid back à sa position normale. Cela empêche les cils de frotter contre l'œil. L'opération est généralement réussie et prévient tout dommage supplémentaire à l'avant de l'œil.

Dr Mary Lowth est l'auteur ou l'auteur original de ce dépliant.