Entropion is a temporary or permanent misalignment of one or both eyelids. The eyelid is turned inwards so that the eyelashes drag on the surface of the eye. Entropion can affect both the upper and lower eyelids, with the lower eyelid being affected more frequently.
Below you will find further information and selected entropion specialists.
If the eyelid is turned inwards, the eyelashes drag across the sensitive surface of the eye with every blink. As a result, many sufferers experience a foreign body sensation in the eye.
This constant irritation can lead to chronic inflammation of the conjunctiva. Complaints that are typical of entropion:
In addition, those affected often pinch the affected eye shut spasmodically. However, this exacerbates the symptoms, which in turn worsens the eyelid spasm.
Germs can cause a bacterial inflammation. The eye then secretes a mucous-purulent secretion, which in some cases causes the eye to stick together.
The cornea can also be affected by entropion. The cornea is the eye's windshield, so to speak, and protects the eye from external influences. At the same time, it refracts the incident light due to its uniform curvature.
Minor injuries caused by a blink can lead to punctual defects in the cornea. There is also a risk of the cornea becoming bacterially infected and a corneal ulcer developing.
Ultimately, this results in scars, into which blood vessels often grow, which significantly impairs vision.
In entropion, one or both eyelids are turned inwards so that the eyelashes brush over the cornea and irritate it © Akarat Phasura | AdobeStock
Various factors can lead to entropion.
Age-related factors are the most common causes of entropion. This variant of the disease can be explained by the breakdown of muscles and sagging connective tissue. The ring muscle, which is responsible for closing the eyelids, then no longer has any counterparts. As a result, it shifts towards the edge of the eyelid. As a result, the edge of the eyelid turns inwards.
A malposition of the eyelid can be caused by scarring on the conjunctiva (cicatricial entropion). The scars can be the result of
be.
Congenital entropion is comparatively rare. The cause is then a maldevelopment of the eyelid: the suspension of the eyelid is not properly developed or the interaction of muscles and nerves is disturbed.
Such a malposition often disappears on its own in the first year of the child's life.
If an eyelid spasm occurs, the muscle fibers in the muscle of the eyelid contract, which leads to entropion during the duration of the spasm. The cause of this spasm can be
can be the cause.
An ophthalmologist diagnoses an entropion at first glance. Using a special examination microscope, he then examines the anterior segment of the eye. This enables him to rule out any damage to the cornea and conjunctiva.
If necessary, he will carry out further tests on the eyelid.
The eye examination should always include a visual acuity test. If an infection is suspected, the relevant pathogens will be determined. For this purpose, the doctor will take a swab from the surface of the eye or a small, superficial tissue sample.
Basically, the choice of treatment depends on the cause and severity of the eyelid deformity.
In the case of mild entropion , a strip of adhesive plaster applied to the lower eyelid may be sufficient treatment. It exerts traction on the eyelid, causing the entropion to recede. This method is also useful to bridge the time until a possible surgical procedure.
Alternatively, the eyelid can also be fixed with a so-called scoop suture using a thread. This is a relatively minor procedure that can be performed under local anesthesia by an ophthalmologist.
If the entropion is already chronic or more pronounced, surgery is unavoidable in most cases. During this procedure, the surgeon shortens the eyelid and removes parts of the muscle with the aim of correcting the eyelid's inward retraction.
If the symptoms do not improve and all conventional treatment options have been exhausted, a therapeutic contact lens can provide relief. Such a contact lens keeps the eyelashes away from the cornea. In this way, irritation of the eye associated with entropion is avoided.
Possible corneal changes may also require treatment with eye ointments.
In the case of congenital entropion, no special therapy is usually necessary. The eyelashes in newborns are very soft and therefore do not usually cause any discomfort or damage to the cornea. The existing eyelid malposition also disappears without treatment within the first two years of life.
In most cases, entropion progresses well if adequate and timely treatment is carried out. If the entropion is congenital, it usually disappears on its own. Even if it is severe or chronic, entropion can usually be corrected with surgery.
It is comparatively rare for entropion to recur after surgery.
However, treatment is absolutely essential. If left untreated, it can lead to chronic irritation of the cornea. This can cause damage to the cornea with associated
and scarring. This in turn can impair vision and even lead to blindness.
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