Entropion is the growth of eyelashes inward, namely towards the eyeball, due to the folded eyelids. Entropion generally occurs in the lower eyelid. Symptoms include irritation, pain, and itching of the eyes. If not treated properly, entropion can puncture the eyeball, damage the cornea, and cause permanent blindness.
Causes of Entropion
Entropion can occur due to weakening of the eyelid muscles, which is generally caused by the aging process. In addition, the weakening of the eyelid muscles can also be caused by:
- Injuries from chemicals, traffic accidents, or surgery.
- Irritation from dry eyes or inflammation, eg blepharitis.
- Genetic disorders that cause abnormal eye development, such as the growth of excess folds on the eyelids.
- Viral infections, eg herpes zoster.
- Suffer ocular cicatricial pemphigoid, which is an autoimmune disease of the eye, which causes inflammation of the eye.
Symptoms of Entropion
Eyelashes that constantly scratch the eyeball can cause eye complaints, including:
- Red eye
- Feels like something is stuck in the eye
- Watery or sore eyes
- Itchy eyes
- Hardened eyelid skin
Patients may not feel these symptoms when entropion is still in its early stages. Even if there are, complaints only appear at certain times. If the eyelids are permanently inverted, the symptoms will be persistent.
Folding the eyelid inward can injure the eyeball and potentially cause blindness. See a doctor immediately if the symptoms you feel include:
- Eyes hurt
- Eyes suddenly red
- Vision becomes less clear
- Sensitive to light
Entropion Diagnosis
Inward folding of the eyelids is an easily visible sign. After observing the eye, the doctor will examine the factors that have the potential to cause entropion. The doctor will ask if the patient has had an accident or underwent an operation.
Additional tests are rarely performed. Only in certain cases, an additional test is carried out in the form of taking a sample of eyelid tissue to be examined under a microscope.
Entropion Treatment
Entropion can be treated with surgery or without surgery. The ophthalmologist will determine the appropriate treatment method, based on the cause.
Operation
Treatment with surgery aims to return the eyelids to their normal position. Entropion surgery can be performed by an ophthalmologist or reconstructive ophthalmologist. There are many types of operations that can be used to treat entropion. Different causes, different types of surgery are performed.
For example, if the entropion you experience is the result of aging, the surgery is aimed at tightening the eyelid muscles. This can be done by lifting slightly the folded part of the eyelid.
Please note that entropion treatment surgery will use an anesthetic in the process. If you have a history of allergies to anesthetics, be sure to tell your doctor before surgery.
A common side effect after surgery is swelling and bruising around the eyes. This complaint can be relieved by compressing it using a soft cloth moistened with cold water. The doctor will teach the patient how to treat the patient after surgery.
No Operation
Treatment without surgery is done only for the short term or if the patient's condition does not allow surgery. The goal is to relieve symptoms and prevent damage to the eye.
Some treatments are done without surgery, including:
- Using soft contact lenses, to protect the cornea from scratching the eyelashes.
- eye lubricant, in the form of ointments or drops that serve to relieve discomfort.
- Botox injections. Botox will be injected into the eyelids to weaken certain muscles, so the eyelids don't fold inward.
- special plaster, affixed to keep the eyelids from folding inward.
Entropion Prevention
Weakening of the eyelid muscles due to aging is not something that can be prevented. However, the patient can still make efforts to avoid other things that can cause entropion, such as injury to the eye. One way that can be done to prevent eye injuries is to use eye protection, especially when carrying out activities in a work environment that has a high risk of injuring the eyes.
Discuss further with your doctor about preventing entropion. The doctor will determine the prevention method according to the risk the patient has.
Entropion Complications
Entropion that does not get proper treatment has the potential to cause complications, in the form of:
- eye infection
- Corneal ulcers (corneal ulcers)
- Permanent blindness
