entropionu

Entropion is a medical condition in which the eyelid margin turns inward toward the eyeball, causing the eyelashes and lid edge to rub against the cornea and conjunctiva. It most often affects the lower eyelid and older adults, though congenital forms can occur in newborns. The inward rotation can involve the upper or lower lid and may be unilateral or bilateral.

There are several main types of entropion. Involutional (senile) entropion is related to age-related laxity and weakening of the eyelid tissues, particularly the supporting structures of the medial canthus. Cicatricial entropion results from scarring due to inflammation, burns, chemical injuries, or chronic infections. Congenital entropion is present at birth due to developmental malposition of the eyelid tissue. Spastic entropion, caused by involuntary contraction of the orbicularis oculi muscle, is less common. The lower eyelid is most frequently affected.

Symptoms include irritation, foreign body sensation, tearing, redness, photophobia, and sometimes persistent corneal irritation or ulcers if the inwardly turned eyelid continuously rubs the eye. Diagnosis is based on a clinical examination with careful eversion of the eyelid and evaluation of the cornea and conjunctiva, often aided by slit-lamp examination to assess the extent of involvement and eyelid laxity.

Treatment depends on severity and underlying cause. Mild cases may be managed with lubricating eye drops or ointments and protective measures. Temporary approaches such as eyelid taping or botulinum toxin injections may be used in select spastic or temporary scenarios. Definitive management is typically surgical, aiming to reposition or tighten the eyelid margin, with procedures including everting sutures, canthoplasty, or scar excision with anterior lamella repositioning. Early treatment reduces the risk of corneal damage and vision loss.