What Is Entropion?
Entropion eye is a medical condition that affects the eyelid, causing it to turn inward towards the eye. This results in the eyelashes and skin rubbing against the surface of the eye, which can cause discomfort, irritation, and even damage to the cornea over time.
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Eye entropion can affect either the upper or lower eyelid, (inverted eyelids) and can be caused by a variety of factors, including age-related changes to the muscles and tissues around the eye, scarring from injury or surgery, or genetic factors.
Entropion Causes.
Genetic Entropion Causes.
There are several genetic conditions that can cause entropion eyelid, (eyelashes turning inward), including:
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Epiblepharon: A genetic condition in which an extra fold of skin and muscle develops below the lower eyelid, causing it to turn inward (entropic eyes).
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Ectropion Uveae: A rare genetic condition that causes dark pigment cells to grow on the inside surface of the eyelid, leading to entropion.
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Down syndrome: Individuals with Down syndrome may be more likely to develop entropion due to weakened facial muscles and other related conditions.
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Ichthyosis: A group of genetic skin disorders that can cause thickened, scaly skin around the eyes, leading to entropion.
Cleft lip and palate: Individuals with cleft lip and palate may have weaker facial muscles, which can contribute to the development of entropion.
Age Related Entropion Causes.
Age-related entropion, (eyelashes turned inward) is the most common type of entropion and occurs due to the normal ageing process. There are two main types of age-related entropion:
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Involutional Entropion: This type of entropion occurs as the muscles and tissues around the eye weaken and lose elasticity with age. As a result, the eyelid may turn inward and cause the eyelashes to rub against the eye.
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Spastic Entropion: Spastic entropion occurs due to muscle spasms or twitching of the eyelid, which can cause the eyelid to turn inward. This type of entropion can be caused by a variety of factors, including ageing, nerve damage, or irritation of the eye.
Surgery And Injury Entropion Causes.
Eyelid entropion can be caused by a variety of injuries or trauma to the eyelid or surrounding areas, including:
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Eyelid Burns: Chemical or thermal burns to the eyelid can cause scarring and damage to the tissues, which can lead to entropion.
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Eyelid Lacerations: Deep cuts or tears in the eyelid can cause scarring and damage to the tissues, which can cause the eyelid to turn inward.
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Facial Fractures: Fractures of the bones in the face, particularly those around the eye socket, can cause changes in the alignment of the eyelid and lead to entropion.
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Orbital Tumours: Tumours or growths in the eye socket or surrounding areas can cause pressure on the eyelid and lead to entropion.
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Facial Nerve Paralysis: Damage to the facial nerve, which controls the muscles of the face, can lead to weakness or paralysis of the muscles that control the eyelid, causing it to turn inward.
Symptoms Of Entropion.
Entropion symptoms include eye redness (redness in bottom eyelid or top), excessive tearing, sensitivity to light, and a feeling of grittiness or foreign body sensation in the eye.
Entropion vs Ectropion.
What is the difference between entropion and ectropion? Entropion and ectropion are two different eyelid conditions that affect the position and orientation of the eyelids relative to the eye.
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Entropion occurs when the eyelid (usually the lower eyelid) turns inward toward the eye, causing the eyelashes and skin to rub against the cornea. This can lead to irritation, redness, tearing, and sometimes even corneal abrasions or infections. Entropion can be caused by age-related changes to the eyelid or by scarring of the eyelid due to injury or previous surgery.
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Ectropion, (turning eyelids inside out) on the other hand, occurs when the eyelid (usually the lower eyelid) turns outward away from the eye, exposing the inner surface of the eyelid and the eye to the outside environment. This can lead to dryness, tearing, redness, and a gritty sensation in the eye. Ectropion can also be caused by age-related changes to the eyelid or by nerve damage, injury, or previous surgery.
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In summary, entropion (eye folding) involves an inward turning of the eyelid, while ectropion involves an outward turning of the eyelid. Both conditions can cause discomfort and affect vision and may require surgical correction.
How Common is Entropion?
General Prevalence of Entropion.
The prevalence of entropion, (flipped eyelids) varies by age, geographic region, and underlying medical conditions. Generally, it is more common in older adults due to age-related changes in the eyelid tissues. In some parts of the world, such as Africa and Asia, the prevalence of entropion is higher than in other regions.
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According to some estimates, the overall prevalence of entropion in the general population is around 2%, but it may be as high as 20% in some older populations. However, the exact prevalence of entropion can vary depending on the study population, diagnostic criteria, and methodology used to identify the condition.
It is also possible that some cases of entropion may go undiagnosed or unreported, which can affect the accuracy of prevalence estimates.
UK Prevalence of Entropion.
The prevalence of entropion in the UK is not well documented, but it is estimated to be like that of other developed countries. According to some studies, the prevalence of entropion in the general population ranges from 0.9% to 2.1%, but the prevalence increases with age, particularly in those aged 60 years and older.
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In addition, entropion may be more common in certain ethnic groups, such as those of African or Asian descent. There may also be regional variations in the prevalence of entropion within the UK.
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It's important to note that these estimates are based on limited studies and may not represent the true prevalence of entropion in the UK with absolute accuracy. If you have symptoms of entropion or any other eye condition, it's always best to consult with an eye specialist for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Entropion Treatment.
Entropion treatment usually involves surgery to correct the position of the eyelid and prevent further damage to the eye. In some cases, temporary measures such as taping, or botulinum toxin injections may be used to provide relief until surgery can be performed.
Botox For Entropion.
Botox (Botulinum toxin) can be used as a temporary treatment for entropion, particularly in cases where the condition is caused by muscle spasm or overactivity. Botulinum toxin is a muscle relaxant that works by blocking the signals from the nerves to the muscles, thereby reducing muscle activity and relaxing the affected area.
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When used for entropion, botox is injected into the affected eyelid to weaken the muscles that are causing the inward turning. The injections are typically administered into the orbicularis muscle of the eyelid, which is responsible for closing the eye. By weakening this muscle, the eyelid is allowed to relax and return to its normal position, thereby reducing the irritation and pain associated with entropion.
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Botox treatment for entropion is generally temporary, with the effects lasting for a few months. However, it can provide relief while a more permanent solution, such as surgery, is being planned or considered. Botox treatment for entropion may not be appropriate for all cases of entropion, and it's important to consult with an eye specialist to determine if it is a suitable option for your individual case.
Entropion Surgery.
Entropion surgery is a procedure performed to correct entropion, the surgery aims to reposition the eyelid to its normal position, thereby preventing further irritation and damage to the eye.
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There are several surgical techniques used for entropion repair, but the most common procedure involves tightening or shortening the eyelid muscles and/or repositioning the eyelid margin. The surgery is typically performed under local anaesthesia on an outpatient basis and takes about 30-60 minutes to complete.
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During entropion surgery, the surgeon makes an incision along the affected eyelid and removes a small amount of tissue to allow the eyelid to be repositioned.
The muscles that control the eyelid's movement are then tightened or shortened as needed, and the eyelid is repositioned to its normal position. Sutures are then used to close the incision, and a patch may be placed over the eye for several hours to help with healing.
Entropion & Corneal Ulceration.
What Causes Ulcers In Eyes?
Entropion can lead to corneal ulceration through repeated rubbing of the eyelashes and skin against the cornea, (ulcer in eye), which is the clear, protective layer covering the front of the eye. The constant rubbing and irritation can cause damage to the cornea, which can result in the formation of an ulcer.
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Corneal ulceration is a serious condition that can lead to vision loss if left untreated, it is important to get treatment at the earliest stages of corneal ulcers for the best outcome. Corneal ulceration can allow bacteria or other microorganisms to enter the eye, causing an infection that can spread to other parts of the eye and even the surrounding tissues. In severe cases, corneal ulcers can lead to scarring and permanent vision loss.
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In addition to entropion, other factors that can increase the risk of corneal ulceration include trauma to the eye, contact lens use, and certain underlying medical conditions that affect the immune system or tear production. If you have symptoms of entropion, an eye ulcer or any other eye condition, it's important to seek prompt medical attention to prevent complications such as corneal ulceration.
Corneal Ulcer Treatments.
The treatment for corneal ulceration depends on the severity and underlying cause of the condition. Mild cases may be treated with eye drops or ointments, while more severe cases may require surgical intervention.
Here are some common treatments for corneal ulceration:
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Antibiotic eye drops or ointments: These are often the first line of treatment for corneal ulcers. They help to kill bacteria and prevent the infection from spreading.
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Steroid eye drops: These may be used in combination with antibiotic drops to reduce inflammation and swelling in the eye.
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Pain relief: Over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help to relieve pain associated with corneal ulceration.
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Bandage contact lenses: These are soft contact lenses that can protect the cornea and promote healing.
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Surgical intervention: In some cases, surgical treatment may be necessary to remove damaged tissue or repair the cornea. This may include procedures such as corneal transplant or amniotic membrane transplantation.
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Treatment of underlying conditions: If the corneal ulceration is caused by an underlying medical condition, such as entropion, dry eye syndrome or autoimmune disorders, treating the underlying condition may be necessary to prevent further damage to the cornea.
It's important to seek prompt medical attention if you suspect you have a corneal ulcer, as early treatment can help prevent complications and reduce the risk of vision loss.
How To Tell If Corneal Ulcer Is Healing.
There are several signs that may indicate that a corneal ulcer is healing, including:
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Reduced pain or discomfort: As the corneal ulcer heals, you may notice a reduction in pain or discomfort in the affected eye.
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Improved vision: As the corneal ulcer heals, you may notice that your vision is improving, with less blurring or distortion.
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Reduced redness: The redness and inflammation around the eye may begin to subside as the corneal ulcer heals.
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Decreased sensitivity to light: If you experienced increased sensitivity to light with the corneal ulcer, this may gradually improve as the ulcer heals.
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Smaller size or disappearance of the ulcer: As the ulcer heals, it may begin to shrink in size or disappear altogether.
It's important to note that the healing process for corneal ulcers can vary depending on the severity of the ulcer and the individual's overall health. Healing may take anywhere from a few days to several weeks, and it's important to follow your eye doctor's instructions regarding treatment and follow-up appointments.
If you experience any worsening symptoms or new symptoms during the healing process, it's important to contact your eye doctor immediately for further evaluation.
Bilateral Entropion.
Bilateral entropion is a condition in which both upper and lower eyelids turn inward, (flipped eyelids) causing the eyelashes and skin to rub against the eye surface. It differs from standard entropion, which affects only one eyelid.
Bilateral entropion can cause significant discomfort, irritation, and damage to the eyes, and can lead to corneal ulcers, infections, and vision loss if left untreated. It is more commonly seen in elderly individuals, and can be caused by various factors, including age-related changes in the eyelid muscles and skin, chronic inflammation, or previous eye surgeries.
Treatment typically involves bilateral entropion surgery, (bilateral entropion repair) to reposition the eyelids and prevent them from turning inward. The surgical techniques used for bilateral entropion repair are like those used for standard entropion, but the surgery may be more complex and require more extensive tissue removal or repositioning.
If you suspect you have bilateral entropion, bilateral lower lid entropion or any other eye condition, it's important to seek prompt medical attention to prevent complications and preserve your vision.
Entropion Surgery Before and After.
Here is what you can expect with entropion surgery before and after:
Before Entropion Surgery.
Your doctor will conduct a thorough eye examination to assess the severity of your entropion and determine the best surgical approach. You may need to stop taking certain medications or supplements before the surgery, as they may increase the risk of bleeding or interfere with anaesthesia. Your doctor may recommend using artificial tears or eye drops to keep your eyes lubricated before the surgery.
After Entropion Surgery.
You will be given instructions on how to care for your eyes after entropion surgery, which may include applying ointment or eye drops, using cool compresses, and avoiding strenuous activities.
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You may experience some swelling, bruising, or discomfort around your eyes in the first few days after entropion surgery. Your vision may be blurry or your eyes may be sensitive to light for a short period after entropion surgery.
You may be asked to wear an eye patch or bandage for a few days after entropion surgery to protect the eye and promote healing. Your doctor will schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your progress and remove any stitches that were used during your surgery.
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After entropion surgery, you should notice a significant improvement in the appearance and function of your eyelids. Your eyes should feel more comfortable, and you may notice less tearing or irritation. It's important to follow your doctor's instructions for post-operative care to ensure a speedy recovery and avoid complications.
Entropion Surgery Cost UK.
The cost of entropion repair and entropion surgery UK with iSIGHT Clinics is £2,500 per eye.
The cost of entropion eye surgery UK or entropion treatment can vary depending on several factors, such as the severity of the condition or if the surgery is for bilateral entropion surgery (both eyes), for this reason it is important to note that the costs associated with entropion eye surgery need to be treated on a case-by-case basis.