Entropion is a condition where the eyelids turn inward causing the eyelashes to rub against your eye. This can be painful and when left alone can lead to a serious infection. Symptoms for entropion include:

• A feeling like there’s something in your eye, even if you don’t see anything
• Redness
• Pain and burning

What Causes Entropion

Entropion is usually the result of aging but can also occur after trauma or surgeries to the area. Office procedures and minor surgeries can be used to completely fix the condition. The overwhelming majority of patients experience a complete relief of symptoms after these treatments.

In-Office Treatment

When only one or a few eyelashes are the problem and not the entire eyelid, an in-office procedure can be done. Small tweezers are used with the help of a microscope to identify and remove the problem eyelash. For many people, this will completely fix the problem while others will see the eyelashes will grow back in one to two months. If this happens, your doctor can remove the lash again, or they may recommend a more permanent solution.

Surgical Repair

Usually, lubricating eye drops and ointments can help soothe the eye but they’re really just treating the symptoms. Entropion repair surgery is a quick, routine procedure done with local anesthetic and IV sedation, and can be done in the comfort of your local SightMD surgical suite. Your surgeon will place small stitches along the eyelid to position it back to its normal state, and will usually tighten the skin on the eyelid to prevent it from turning back in again.

Recovery from entropion repair is often easy and includes some mild soreness and swelling after the procedure.While you’re recovering, you’ll start to lose that feeling of something being in your eye. Rest and ice will help healing and you’ll likely feel back to normal within a week to ten days. Stitches will dissolve shortly thereafter.

Our team of highly skilled eyelid specialists known as an oculoplastic surgeons can help identify the problem and recommend a personalized treatment plan based on your unique needs. We look forward to seeing you in the office to begin the process to achieving relief from this annoying problem.