Eyelid surgery is not only performed for aesthetic reasons, but also treats certain conditions, such as entropion and ectropion. These two types of eyelid abnormalities require proper treatment so as not to cause injury, irritation, or loss of vision.
Eyelid surgery is a surgical procedure performed to improve the appearance of the eyelids. Surgery can be performed on the upper eyelid, the lower eyelid, or both. This operation can also be performed to treat conditions of entropion and ectropion.
Entropion is a condition in which the eyelids turn inward, causing the eyelashes and skin to rub against the surface of the eye. Meanwhile, ectropion is a condition when the eyelids point outward and make the inner surface of the eye open, making it vulnerable to irritation.
Entropion Eyelid Surgery
Entropion can generally be diagnosed through routine eye exams. During the exam, the doctor will pull your eyelids back or ask you to blink and close your eyes. This is done to assess the position and strength of the eyelid muscles.
This inverted eyelid condition can be treated with surgery or without surgery. Without surgery, entropion can be treated in the following ways:
- Provision of lubricants to moisturize the eyes by using ointments and artificial tears
- Using eye tape to position the eyelids
- Giving Botox injections to the lower eyelid
- Use of soft contact lenses to relieve symptoms of entropion
Meanwhile, to tighten the muscles around the eyelids and roll them back outward, eyelid surgery is necessary. The type of eyelid surgery also depends on the condition of the tissue around the eyelids and the cause of the entropion. Here is the explanation:
Entropion surgery to tighten the eyelid muscles
This eyelid surgery is generally performed when the entropion is caused by age. In this operation, the doctor will give a local anesthetic to numb the eyelid and the surrounding area.
Next, the surgeon will remove a small part of the lower eyelid to tighten the tendons and muscles around it. In the final stage, you will get a few stitches on the outer corner of the eye or just below the eyelid.
Entropion surgery to remove scar tissue
If you have scar tissue on the inside of your eyelid, surgery is performed by grafting the mucous membrane using tissue from the roof of your mouth or nasal passages. Like eyelid muscle tightening surgery, this surgery also begins with local anesthesia.
This surgical technique is not only used to remove scar tissue on the inside of the eyelid, but also treat conditions caused by trauma or side effects of surgery.
Ectropion Eyelid Surgery
As with entropion, the doctor will diagnose ectropion through routine eye exams to assess the strength of the eyelid muscles. The doctor will also examine the tissue around the eyelids to determine the cause of the ectropion, whether it is a scar, tumor, or surgery.
If the ectropion is mild, your doctor may recommend using artificial tears and eye ointment to relieve symptoms. Ectropion can interfere with the flow of tears and cause symptoms such as eye irritation, excessive tearing, and conjunctivitis.
In more severe cases, eyelid surgery may be necessary to treat ectropion. This type of surgery also depends on the condition of the tissue around the eyelids and the cause of the ectropion. The following are types of ectropion eyelid surgery:
Ectropion surgery to tighten the eyelid muscles
This surgery is performed to treat ectropion, which is caused by the weakening of the eye muscles and ligaments due to aging. Before surgery, the doctor will apply a local anesthetic to the eyelid and the surrounding area. Next, the doctor will remove the lower eyelid which is on the outer edge.
After that, the eyelid will be sutured so that the tendons and muscles can tighten again. This surgery allows the eyelids to open and close properly.
Ectropion surgery to remove scar tissue
This surgery can be performed on ectropion caused by an injury or previous surgery. The doctor will use a skin graft taken from the upper eyelid or behind the ear. This graft aims to support the lower eyelid.
If you have severe paralysis or scarring, more than one eyelid ectropion surgery may be required.
After undergoing eyelid surgery, both entropion and ectropion, you will experience swelling and bruising in your eyes, and tight or tight eyelids. However, this is only temporary. Swelling and bruising should go away in about two weeks.
If you are planning to have eyelid surgery to treat entropion or ectropion, consult your doctor first to find out the benefits and risks of this procedure, as well as the most appropriate course of action to treat your problem.
