Entropion

Overview

Entropion (en-TROH-pee-on) is a condition in which an eyelid turns inward. The eyelid and eyelashes then rub against the surface of the eye. This causes discomfort and can damage the outer layer of the eye.

The most common type of entropion affects the lower eyelids of older adults.

Treatment may vary depending on the underlying cause, but surgery is usually needed to correct the condition. In the short term, lubricating ointments, protective contact lenses and other treatments can help relieve symptoms of entropion.

Symptoms

The signs and symptoms of entropion are the result of the eyelashes and outer eyelid rubbing against the surface of your eye:

• A feeling of something in the eye.
• Eye redness.
• Eye discomfort or pain.
• Sensitivity to light and wind.
• Dry eyes.
• Watery eyes.
• Discharge and eyelid crusting.

When to see a doctor

See your healthcare professional if an eyelid is turned inward or an eye is constantly irritated.

Seek immediate care if you experience:

• Pain or achiness in the eye.
• Increased pain with exposure to light.
• Decreased vision.

These symptoms could indicate severe injury to the eye, including injury to the clear outer layer at the center of the eye, called the cornea.

Causes

Entropion can be caused by:

• Muscle weakness. With age, the muscles around the eyes tend to weaken, and tendons stretch out. These muscles and tendons typically hold the eyelid snugly against the eye. When the muscles and tendons weaken, the eyelid can roll inward. This is the most common cause of entropion of the lower eyelid.
• Scar tissue. Entropion may be caused by scarring of the inner eyelid from injury, infection, surgery or long-term inflammatory conditions. This type of entropion often affects the upper eyelid.
• Muscle spasms. Entropion may be the result of muscle spasms triggered by irritation of the eye, infection or eye surgery. This type of entropion may come and go.
• Glaucoma medicines. Entropion may be a side effect of long-term use of certain medicines used to treat an optic nerve condition called glaucoma.
• Congenital condition. Rarely, entropion is a condition present at birth, also called a congenital condition.

Risk factors

Factors that increase your risk of developing entropion include:

• Older age.
• Earlier eyelid or eye surgery.
• Earlier eye injury.
• Eye infection, especially a bacterial disease called trachoma.

Complications

The rubbing of the eyelashes and eyelid against the eye can damage the cornea and cause vision loss. The damage may include:

• Scratches on the cornea.
• Thinning of the cornea.
• Ulcers on the cornea.
• Ongoing inflammation of the cornea.
• The growth of blood vessels in the cornea, which typically doesn't have blood vessels.

Prevention

Generally, entropion isn't preventable.

You may be able to prevent the type of entropion caused by a bacterial infection called trachoma. If your eyes become red and irritated after you visit an area where trachoma infection is common, seek evaluation and treatment right away. These areas include many countries in Africa, the Middle East and Asia.