Entropion is a malposition of the eyelids in which the edge of the eyelid turns inwards, so that the eyelashes and eyelid skin rub against the eye, causing a lot of discomfort and risk of corneal injury and infection.
It is mainly caused by eyelid laxity (the eyelids lose their normal tension). In less frequent cases it is due to scarring on the inside of the eyelids.
Due to the continuous rubbing of the hard eyelashes against the eye, it causes a lot of discomfort, with reddening of the eye, a gritty sensation and sometimes pain. The wounds it causes can become infected and lead to serious eye complications, so treatment is almost always recommended.
Entropion is treated with surgery. Depending on the type of entropion, it can be done by tightening only the eyelids to give stability and prevent it from rotating inwards, or in less frequent cases, which are caused by scarring, it will be necessary to resort to more complex techniques with the use of grafts of mucosa from the mouth. In any case, practically all surgical techniques, including the use of grafts, can be performed under local anaesthesia and on an outpatient basis, without hospitalisation. The surgery usually results in a normal eyelid position with disappearance of the discomfort.
