Entropion is when the eyelid rolls inwards. The eyelashes rub against the surface of the eye and can cause irritation, watering, redness, and sometimes infection.
Ectropion is when the eyelid rolls outwards. The lower lid becomes loose and does not rest properly against the eye. This can lead to watering, discomfort, dryness, and exposure of the eye.
Surgery restores the eyelid to its natural position so the eye stays comfortable and protected.
You may benefit if you have:
• Watering or irritation from a turned in or turned out eyelid. • Redness or recurrent infections. • Difficulty keeping the eye moist. • Discomfort when blinking. • Damage to the ocular surface caused by rubbing lashes (entropion). • Exposure and dryness from a loose or outward turning lid (ectropion).
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Correcting the eyelid position improves comfort, protects the eye surface, and restores a more natural appearance.
Entropion and ectropion repair is usually performed under local anaesthetic:
A small injection numbs the eyelid within seconds.
A short incision is made at the outer corner of the eyelid.
The eyelid is tightened.
Additional stitches tighten or reposition the lower eyelid retractors.
The skin incision is closed with fine stitches.
Most patients report only mild discomfort during the local-anaesthetic injections. Once the area is numb, the procedure is comfortably tolerated. After surgery, simple analgesics such as paracetamol are usually sufficient.
Bruising and swelling usually last 1–2 weeks.
Stitches are removed after 7-14 days.
Most swelling settles within 2 weeks but may take up to 3 months to fully resolve.
You can usually return to work and normal activities within 1–2 weeks.
Results are long lasting, but ageing of the eyelid tissues will continue. Some people may need further treatment in the future if the lid becomes lax again.
There are no non-surgical alternatives that can reliably correct entropion or ectropion. However, some people manage symptoms with:
Clinical tape to hold the lid in position.
Lubricating drops or ointments.
Managing dryness or irritation with regular eye care.
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Doing nothing is also an option for some people, although persistent entropion and ectropion may lead to infection or surface damage. ​
Complications are uncommon but can include:
Infection.
Bleeding or a small lump near the incision.
Visible or raised scars.
Asymmetry.
Under correction or over correction.
Need for further surgery.
Dryness or irritation.
Granuloma (small inflammatory lump).
Rare risk of damage to deeper structures such as nerves or eye muscles.
Extremely rare risk of vision loss from injury to the eye.
Long term changes with ageing, sun exposure or weight changes.
Your surgeon will go through these in detail at your consultation.
Use cold compresses for the first 24–48 hours.
Sleep with your head elevated for the first 2 nights.
Apply antibiotic ointment to wounds for 2 weeks.
Clean wounds daily with cooled boiled water and cotton wool for 10 days.
Avoid strenuous activity, bending, and heavy lifting for 2 weeks.
Avoid makeup for 3 weeks.
Protect scars from sun exposure with SPF and sunglasses for several months.
You should get in touch immediately if you notice:
Severe or worsening pain.
Increasing redness or discharge from the wound.
Sudden changes in vision or severe swelling.