EYELID MALPOSITIONS
(ECTROPION AND ENTROPION)

A normal, healthy eyelid should have a natural tension that allows it to cover and protect the eyeball. Occasionally, as a result of aging, sun exposure, trauma, or scarring, eyelid tension can become unbalanced, causing the eyelid to turn outward or inward. When the eyelid turns outward, that is called ectropion. The out-turned eyelid may become red and irritated, resulting in discomfort, tearing, or eye infections. When the eyelid turns inward, it is called entropion. The in-turned eyelashes can irritate the eye, resulting in discomfort, redness, and corneal damage.  

THE PROCEDURE

Depending on which problem you have, there are various ways to repair the eyelid malposition. Our doctors will perform a careful evaluation, discuss their assessment with you, and go over which procedure is right for you during the preoperative visit. The procedure may be performed under local anesthesia or sedation. 

RECOVERY AFTER SURGERY

You may expect to go home on the day of surgery. There is usually minimal to no pain after entropion or ectropion surgery and most patients resume their normal daily activities the following day. A patch will be placed over the eye and usually is kept in place for 1-2 days. Heavy lifting should be avoided for 1-2 weeks. You may experience mild discomfort, which is controlled with oral medication. Swelling and bruising significantly improves after a few days and usually is minimally noticeable after 2 weeks, however healing time can vary between individuals. Sutures are removed on the first post-operative visit, usually 7-10 days after surgery. Eyelid make-up and contact lens use may usually be resumed 1-2 weeks after surgery.