The eyelids must be in proper position, and with good tone, against the eyeball in order to function correctly. In some circumstances, eyelids can turn away from the eye (ectropion) or roll inwards toward the eye (entropion).
Ectropion
Ectropion is the most common lower eyelid malposition. It is often an aging change resulting in eyelid laxity allowing the lid to sag away from the eye. Mild cases may not visibly turn away from the eye but can cause tearing, irritation, and/or dryness of the cornea. More severe cases will result in the eyelid truly turned away from the eye. Symptoms may include excessive tearing, chronic irritation, redness, pain, a gritty feeling, crusting of the eyelid, mucous discharge, and breakdown of the cornea
What Causes Ectropion?
Ectropion most commonly results from aging changes causing tissues to stretch and the eyelid to loosen. However, it may also occur from facial weakness (from Bell’s palsy, stroke, or other neurologic conditions), trauma, skin scarring, previous surgeries, or skin cancer.
Ectropion repair
Ectropion repair is geared to the underlying cause of the malposition. As an oculoplastic specialist, Dr. Dal Canto will determine the root cause of you eyelid malposition and perform the appropriate corrective procedure. Most commonly, the eyelid is tightened at the outside corner of the eye. The surgery is performed on an outpatient basis and often results in rapid resolution of the eyelid malposition. After your eyelid heals, your eye will feel comfortable and be protected from corneal scarring, infection, and loss of vision.
Entropion
Although aging changes most commonly result in ectropion (above), the eyelid may turn inwards towards the eye, a condition called entropion. Once turned in, the eyelid and eyelashes rub against the eye, usually causing significant irritation, redness, and sensitivity to light and wind. If left untreated, chronic entropion can cause corneal scarring and loss of vision. If entropion exists, it is important to have it fixed before permanent damage to the eye occurs.
What Causes Entropion?
Like ectropion, the most common cause of entropion are aging changes. However, trauma, scarring, previous surgeries, and eyelid tumors can also result in entropion.
Surgical Repairs
Entropion repair is geared to the underlying cause of the malposition. Most commonly, the eyelid and its attachments are tightened to restore and stabilize the eyelid in its normal position. The surgery is performed on an outpatient basis and often results in rapid resolution of the eyelid malposition. After your eyelid heals, your eye will feel comfortable and be protected from corneal scarring, infection, and loss of vision.
As an orbital and eyelid reconstructive surgeon, Dr. Dal Canto is experienced in the correction of a variety of eyelid malposition disorders, whether simply age-related or due to other rare causes.
Before and After Photographs
Lower Lid Ectropion
90 year old male with tearing and irritation. Lower eyelids were chronically turned out. Before and After photos show improvement in lower eyelid position with significant improvement in comfort and decreased tearing. |
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