Entropion Repair

Eyelid issues that might seem small at first can still have a large impact on your quality of life. From cosmetic concerns to physical symptoms, issues with the eyelid’s position and structure can influence your daily life. Dr. Christina Choe, board-certified ophthalmologist and fellowship-trained oculoplastic surgeon, has spent years helping patients address eyelid concerns, including through entropion repair.

What Is Entropion?

When the eyelid turns inward, this is called entropion. Patients may be born with it (congenital), or it may be a result of aging. In adult patients, it can arise from a spasm or weakening of the lower eyelid muscles. With entropion, the eyelashes and skin of the eyelid turn into the eye. They rub against the cornea causing pain and irritation. In some cases, this can lead to constant eye irritation and even damage. Surgery is typically needed to restore the proper position of the eyelid. The sooner you treat entropion, the sooner you can experience symptom relief and restore your appearance.

Play Video about Entropion Repair

How Do We Treat Entropion?

To repair an eyelid with entropion, an incision will be made on the lower lid under the eyelashes and at the outer corner of the eyelid. The muscle that has slipped back will be reattached and the tendon in the outer corner will be tightened to hold the eyelid in the correct position.

If entropion is caused by scars or an earlier surgery, we may have to borrow a graft or a small amount of tissue from another area of the body. This helps release the pull on the eyelid caused by the scar and repositions the eyelid and should stop the skin and eyelashes from irritating the cornea.

What Is an Entropion Repair Procedure Like?

Entropion repair is an outpatient surgery, meaning you may go home the same day. Before beginning this surgery, skin markings will be made by Dr. Choe. Next, local anesthesia will be injected around the sites to be operated on, numbing them to facilitate a pain-free experience. The injections themselves are well-tolerated (typically experienced as a pinch and a burn). Over the next 30 to 60 minutes, the inward turning of the eyelid is corrected. Dr. Choe carefully restores the eyelid to a natural-looking position. The skin and/or conjunctiva are then closed with fine sutures.