Eyelid entropion surgery

Entropion is the inward turning of the eyelid margin. Usually the lower lid is affected. Several types of entropion have been recognised: congenital, involutional, spastic and cicatricial.
The eyelid turning inward causes irritation and damage to the ocular surface (the conjunctiva and cornea). Patients report pain, avoidance of sunlight (photophobia), tearing (lacrimation) and reddening of the eye. Severe entropion may lead to long-term ocular surface lesions and vision deterioration.

The choice of treatment procedure depends on the type of entropion. Before surgery it is necessary to determine whether the entropion occurs in the anterior lamella (the skin and orbicularis) or in the posterior lamella (the tarsus and conjunctiva).

Prior to scheduled surgery, patients are requested to:

• stop taking anticoagulant drugs but only in consultation with the family doctor, cardiologist or other specialist,
• present a medical health certificate issued by a specialist stating that the patient is fit for oculoplastic surgery.

During surgery the ophthalmologist corrects the position of the eyelid. The skin is sutured and stitches are removed after 5-7 days. Immediately after surgery and in the next few days bruising may persist at the operation site.