in turning eyelid

In turning eyelid (entropion)

Entropion is the term used for an eyelid which is turning inwards, such that the eyelashes rub against the surface of the eye. This condition can occur in the upper eyelids, but is much commoner in the lower eyelids.

Although entropion can rarely be present in babies, it is most often a condition of people over the age of 60 years old. A frequent cause is laxity of the eyelid tissues, sometimes with spasm of the eyelid muscles. Less common causes of entropion include conditions which result in scarring of the inner lining of the eyelid such as chemical or thermal injury, significant allergy and inflammatory diseases like ocular pemphigoid.

Whatever the cause the symptoms can include:

• Irritation and “foreign body” sensation from the eyelashes rubbing against the surface of the eye. This tends to be worse when looking down to read as the eyelashes then come into contact with the very sensitive cornea (front window of the eye).
• Tearing.
• Mucous discharge.
• Crusting and sometimes infection.
• Corneal abrasions (scratches) and if left untreated corneal scarring which may affect eyesight.