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Entropion & Ectropion Eyelid Repair

Entropion and ectropion affect the way your eyelid rests against your eye. Entropion causes your eyelid to turn inward and rub against your eye and can cause redness and inflammation, and if left untreated can lead to corneal damage. If you have ectropion, your bottom eyelid turns outward, exposing your eye and leading to dryness, redness, and irritation if left untreated this can cause lasting eye damage. Surgery is usually the only way to treat entropion and ectropion, and our advanced procedures involve minimal scarring, discomfort, and recovery time. At SightMD, we treat both conditions and these procedures are typically covered by insurance.

Entropion Repair

Entropion occurs when your upper or lower eyelid turns inward, either all the time or only when you shut your eyes. It can be caused by muscle weakness, scarring, infections, and in rare cases, patients can be born with entropion. As you blink or close your eyes, the skin rubs against your eye, causing symptoms such as:

  • Redness
  • Irritation
  • Light sensitivity
  • The feeling of something inside your eye
  • Significant discomfort
  • Excessive tearing
Entropion, healthy eye, and ectropion comparison

What Are The Risks of Leaving Entropion Untreated?

If left untreated, entropion can lead to infections and corneal damage. If you experience symptoms, it is important to seek treatment as soon as possible.

How Is Entropion Treated?

The most common surgical treatment involves tightening the eyelid through a small incision at the corner of your eye or just below the lower lid. Patients typically experience relief immediately following surgery.

What to Expect During Recovery

Recovery time is minimal, and any discomfort can typically be controlled with over-the-counter pain medication and antibiotic ointment.

Ectropion Repair

Ectropion occurs when the lower eyelid turns out, exposing the eye to debris, dust, and wind. Cases can range from mild (only a part of the eyelid turns out) to severe (the entire lid droops down). If you suffer from this condition, it can interfere with proper tear drainage. This can lead to a variety of symptoms, including:

  • Redness
  • Dryness
  • Excessive tearing
  • Irritation

What are the Risks of Leaving Ectropion Untreated?

If left untreated, your cornea may develop ulcers and begin to break down because of chronic exposure. Although age is the most common cause of this condition, facial paralysis, stroke, and other conditions can also cause ectropion.

female with ectropion looking up

How is Ectropion Treated?

Surgery is often the only way to treat ectropion and your doctor may use one of several techniques, depending on your specific symptoms and the severity of your condition. Most commonly, the surgeon will remove a tiny amount of tissue from the eyelid before closing the incisions to create the necessary amount of tension.

What to Expect During the Procedure

Most eyelid repair surgeries take about 30 minutes to complete. You should expect to have temporary swelling, redness, and mild pain around your eyes for the first 2 weeks after the surgery. You will be advised to rest as much as possible and take at least 1 week off from work. A follow up appointment should be scheduled 2 weeks after the surgery so your doctor can evaluate your results and answer any questions or concerns you may have.

What to Expect After the Procedure

After your procedure, you may experience some tightness and sensitivity in the area. You can treat this discomfort with over-the-counter pain medication and cold compresses. Even before your recovery is complete, you can experience an improvement in your symptoms.

Eyelid Repair Surgery Before & After Photos

See before and after Eyelid Repair Surgery photos of people who trusted our doctors at SightMD for their treatment. Contact us to learn more about how Eyelid Repair Surgery can help you regain your confidence!

Eyelid Repair Before & After Photos

How Much Does it Cost?

Since eyelid repair surgery is considered a medical condition, it is usually covered by insurance. Talk with your doctor’s office about your insurance options so exact coverage can be determined before the procedure.

Contact SightMD today to schedule an appointment with one of our doctors to discuss your Ophthalmic Plastic Surgery options at one of our convenient locations!