Entropion and ectropion are eyelid conditions that can affect eye comfort, tear function, vision, and long-term eye health. Entropion occurs when the eyelid turns inward toward the eye, while ectropion occurs when the eyelid turns outward and pulls away from the eye. Both conditions can interfere with normal eyelid protection and may cause tearing, redness, irritation, light sensitivity, blurry vision, or corneal injury.
At Fante Eye & Face Center, patients from Denver, Greenwood Village, and surrounding Colorado communities receive evaluation and treatment for entropion and ectropion from doctors with specialized training in eyelid function, ocular surface protection, and oculofacial plastic surgery. Dr. Robert Fante is double board-certified and a fellow of the American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, while Dboth Dr. Levitt and Dr. Huang are ASOPRS-trained surgeons and ASOPRS Candidate Members. This focused expertise helps the team restore eyelid position with attention to comfort, eye protection, tear drainage, vision, and appearance.
What is Entropion?
Entropion is an eyelid condition that is characterized by inward rotation of the upper or lower eyelid. When the eyelid turns inward, the eyelashes may rub against the eyeball, which can be very painful. The persistent friction of the lashes against the eye’s surface can cause corneal inflammation and irritation, and sometimes dangerous corneal ulcers.
What Causes Entropion?
Entropion typically occurs when the supporting tendons of the eyelid become lax or when scarring in the inner lining of the eyelid pulls the edge of the eyelid inwards towards the surface of the eye. This condition is more common among older individuals due to increased laxity and collagen breakdown over time. Without adequate support, the eyelid can rotate and rub against the eye. Scarring, damage, or injury to the lining of the eyelids can also cause entropion. Although uncommon, scar-related entropion of the eyelids can occur after chemical burns of the eye and in medical conditions such as ocular cicatricial pemphigoid and Stevens-Johnson syndrome.
What Are the Symptoms of Entropion?
Initial entropion symptoms may be mild and intermittent. However, over time, as the eyelid turns further inward, entropion symptoms become more frequent and severe. Eventually, they may be constant. Indications of entropion include:
- Foreign body sensation, as if something is in the eye
- Excessive tearing
- Redness
- Light sensitivity
- Itching
- Discharge from the eye
- Eye pain
- Blurred vision
What is Ectropion?
Ectropion could be called the opposite of entropion. This eyelid condition is characterized by an outward turn of the eyelid, usually the lower lid. The degree of turning may vary: it can include one segment of the lower eyelid or the entire lower eyelid. When severe, the pink inner lining of the eyelid may even be visible.
What Causes Ectropion?
Ectropion may be caused by laxity of the eyelid-supporting tendons and/or muscle weakness of the muscles that secure the eyelid against the eyeball. Muscle weakness may be related to the natural aging process, infection or injury to the muscle of the lower eyelid, or facial paralysis caused by a medical condition such as Bell’s palsy. In some instances, ectropion is associated with a genetic disorder such as Down syndrome or a benign or cancerous growth on the eyelid that pulls it away from the surface of the eye. Sometimes, ectropion is caused by trauma, scars of the eyelid or cheek, or surgery.
What Are the Symptoms of Ectropion?
Ectropion causes tearing symptoms by inhibiting the proper drainage of tears from the eye into the nose. In addition, with ectropion, the eyelid can’t properly protect the eye, leaving it more exposed to air and prone to irritation. Some ectropion symptoms include:
- Excessive watering or mattering of the eye
- A gritty and sandy feeling, as though something is in the eye
- Light sensitivity
- Burning
- Redness
Treatment Options for Entropion & Ectropion
Treatment for entropion and ectropion depends on the cause of the eyelid change, the severity of symptoms, and whether the cornea is being irritated or exposed. Temporary treatments may include lubricating drops or ointment, protective contact lenses, taping, stitches, or Botox injections to help relieve symptoms and protect the eye.
For full and lasting correction, outpatient eyelid surgery is often the best option. Entropion surgery commonly involves tightening the muscles and tendons that hold the eyelid against the eye. If entropion is caused by scarring after injury, disease, or surgery, grafting to the inner lining may also be needed.
Ectropion surgery also commonly involves tightening the underlying tendons and muscles. When skin scarring or tissue shortage contributes to the problem, a skin graft or other tissue graft may be performed at the same time. The exact technique depends on the cause of the eyelid malposition and the condition of the surrounding tissues.
What to Expect From Reconstructive Eyelid Surgery Recovery
Recovery from eyelid surgery is generally not difficult. People are aware of swelling and bruising (like a “black eye”), some extra mucus discharge that intermittently causes blurry vision, and mild, transient pain. Patients are usually instructed to apply antibiotic ointment several times a day for the first week. Prescription or over-the-counter pain medication can be taken as directed for pain. The outer corner of the eye is commonly tightened and elevated but returns to a more normal position within the first two weeks after surgery. For the first week, it is important to avoid strenuous activity, and most patients prefer to stay close to home. Sutures are usually removed after the first week, and by the end of the second week of recovery, most swelling and bruising have improved to the point that patients can resume most normal activities.
Am I a Good Candidate for Reconstructive Eyelid Surgery?
You may be a good candidate for reconstructive eyelid surgery if entropion or ectropion is causing eye irritation, tearing, redness, light sensitivity, blurred vision, discharge, corneal irritation, or difficulty protecting the eye. Candidates should be healthy enough for outpatient surgery and have realistic expectations about treatment and recovery.
Certain medical or eye conditions, such as severe dry eye, glaucoma, retinal disease, diabetes, thyroid disease, or cardiovascular conditions, may affect surgical planning or recovery. During your consultation, our doctors will review your eye health, medical history, symptoms, and goals to determine whether surgery or another treatment option is appropriate.
What Are the Benefits of Entropion & Ectropion Treatment?
Treatment for entropion or ectropion can help restore a healthier eyelid position so the eye is better protected. By improving how the eyelid rests against the eye, treatment may reduce irritation, tearing, redness, discharge, light sensitivity, and the sensation of something in the eye.
For many patients, correcting eyelid malposition also improves comfort, supports clearer vision, helps protect the cornea, and creates a more natural eyelid appearance.
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Entropion or Ectropion Consultation in Denver & Greenwood Village, CO
If your eyelid turns inward, pulls away from the eye, or causes tearing, redness, irritation, eye pain, discharge, light sensitivity, or blurry vision, Fante Eye & Face Center can help evaluate your treatment options. During your consultation, our doctors will assess your eyelid position, ocular surface health, tear function, symptoms, and medical history to determine whether nonsurgical management or eyelid surgery is appropriate.
To book a consultation with Fante Eye & Face Center in Denver, CO, serving patients from Greenwood Village, Castle Pines and the surrounding communities, call (303) 839-1616 today.