Entropion – Symptoms and Causes

Overview

Entropion occurs when an eyelid turns inward, causing eyelashes and skin to rub against the eye surface. This condition creates irritation and discomfort for those affected.

The inward turning may happen constantly or only during forceful blinking or squeezing of the eyelids.

This condition primarily affects older adults and typically involves the lower eyelid. While temporary relief can come from using artificial tears and lubricating ointments, surgical intervention is usually necessary for complete correction.

If left untreated, entropion can lead to serious complications including:

• Damage to the cornea (the transparent front covering of the eye)
• Eye infections
• Vision loss

Early treatment is important to prevent these potential complications and preserve eye health.

Signs and Eye Problems

Entropion causes your eyelid to turn inward, making eyelashes rub against your eye. This can lead to several uncomfortable symptoms:

• Feeling like something is in your eye
• Red eyes
• Eye pain or irritation
• Light and wind sensitivity
• Excessive tearing
• Mucus discharge and crusty eyelids

The constant friction between your eyelashes and eye surface creates these problems. Many people describe the sensation as having sand or grit trapped in their eye.

When Medical Care Is Needed

See a doctor right away if you have entropion and notice:

• A quick increase in eye redness
• Eye pain
• Light sensitivity
• Vision changes

These symptoms may signal corneal damage, which can harm your vision if not treated promptly.

Schedule a regular appointment if you constantly feel something in your eye or notice eyelashes turning inward. Leaving this condition untreated can cause permanent eye damage.

Before your appointment, use artificial tears or lubricating eye ointments to protect your eye surface.

Causes

Entropion happens when the eyelid turns inward. Several factors can lead to this condition:

• Age-related muscle changes are the most common cause. As people get older, muscles under the eyes weaken and tendons stretch, allowing the eyelid to roll inward.
• Scarring can distort the eyelid’s normal shape. This might happen after:
  • Chemical burns
  • Physical injuries
  • Surgical procedures
• Trachoma infection is prevalent in parts of Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, and Pacific Islands. This infection scars the inner eyelid and may cause entropion or even blindness if left untreated.
• Inflammation and irritation of the eye can prompt behaviors like rubbing or squeezing the eyelids. These actions sometimes lead to muscle spasms that turn the eyelid edge inward against the cornea, known as spastic entropion.
• Congenital entropion affects some babies at birth. This type typically results from an extra skin fold on the eyelid that causes eyelashes to turn inward.

Risk Factors

Several factors can raise the chance of developing entropion:

• Age: Older adults face a higher risk as tissue around the eyes weakens with time.
• Scarring from Injuries: Burns or trauma to the face can create scar tissue that pulls the eyelid inward.
• Previous Eye Infections: People who have had trachoma infection may develop scarring on the inner eyelids, increasing entropion risk.

These factors affect how the eyelid functions and may cause it to turn inward toward the eye surface.

Complications

Entropion can cause serious eye problems. When eyelids turn inward, they may scratch the eye surface, leading to:

• Corneal irritation – causing pain and redness.
• Corneal damage – which can happen over time.
• Vision problems – may develop if not treated.
• Permanent vision loss – the most serious risk.

These issues happen because eyelashes and skin rub directly against the eye. The cornea (clear front part of the eye) is especially at risk of injury.

Prevention

Most types of entropion cannot be prevented. This condition, where the eyelid turns inward, often develops due to aging or genetic factors that are beyond our control.

However, one specific type of entropion may be preventable. Entropion caused by trachoma infection can sometimes be avoided with proper care and prompt treatment.

If you visit areas where trachoma infections are common, be alert for any signs of eye irritation or redness. Seek medical help immediately if these symptoms appear after traveling to such regions.

Protecting Your Eyes

There are some general eye care practices that may help maintain overall eye health:

• Regular Eye Exams: These can help catch early signs of eye conditions.
• Proper Hygiene: Washing hands before touching eyes can prevent infections.
• Avoiding Eye Rubbing: This can worsen irritation and potentially damage eye tissue.

Risk Factors To Be Aware Of

Risk Factor	Description
Age	Older adults have higher risk as tissues lose elasticity
Previous eye surgery	Some procedures may affect eyelid position
Eye infections	Particularly trachoma in certain regions
Eye injuries	Trauma can affect eyelid structure

If you notice your eyelashes brushing against your eye or experience persistent eye irritation, consult an eye care professional promptly.

For those with family members who have entropion, being aware of the early signs can help ensure timely treatment if the condition develops.