Entropion & Ectropion Treatment in Huntington Beach

Entropion and ectropion are related conditions that affect the eyelids. The primary difference is the way the eyelid turns. Entropion describes an eyelid that has turned inward, and ectropion describes an eyelid that turns outward. Both conditions usually affect the lower eyelids; cases of entropion and ectropion in the upper eyelid are rare.

Patients with entropion or ectropion may experience significant irritation and discomfort. They may also wish to address the problem cosmetically. The ophthalmologists at Clarity Eye Group treat both conditions for patients in Huntington Beach, Newport Beach, Costa Mesa, and Orange County.

Symptoms of Entropion & Ectropion

An eyelid with entropion curls inward, causing the eyelashes to touch the surface of the eyeball. This is usually a source of irritation (always feeling like something is floating on your eye) and can even be painful. Eyes affected by entropion are often red, teary, and sensitive to light and wind. The eyelid may also be more susceptible to crusting.

Ectropion eyelids curl outward, exposing more of the eye’s surface than would otherwise be exposed. This makes the eye more prone to irritation and drying out. Moreover, the position of the eyelid can lead to improper tear drainage, which causes water to flow over the eyelids rather than out the puncta (the normal tear drainage area at the inner corner of the eye). Patients with ectropion also experience light sensitivity.

Who Is at Risk for Entropion/Ectropion?

Both conditions primarily occur due to aging. Facial tissue and muscles becomes looser and more relaxed over time, which can cause the eyelid to shift out of position. About 2% of people over the age of 60 develop entropion or ectropion.

Scars, often from another eye surgery, can affect the curvature of the eyelid and lead to entropion or ectropion. Although not common, some babies have congenital entropion/ectropion.

Treating Entropion and Ectropion

While many of the symptoms of entropion and ectropion, such as dry eye, can be eased with non-invasive treatments, the main way to permanently correct the problem is with surgery.

For entropion and ectropion surgery, the ophthalmologist typically removes a small amount of tissue from the lower eyelid, tightening the muscles in the process. This allows the eyelid to rest against the eye in a normal manner. This approach is sometimes modified for patients whose entropion or ectropion is caused by scar tissue; skin grafting may be necessary.

Most procedures are performed using local anesthesia (a numbing agent) to keep the patient comfortable during the surgery. The patient may also choose to take a light sedative to stay relaxed.

Entropion and ectropion surgeries are outpatient procedures, which means that patients recover from their surgery at home. Patients can expect swelling and bruising around the eyelid to linger for about two weeks.

Entropion & Ectropion FAQs

What Causes Entropion or Ectropion?

Entropion and ectropion are eyelid conditions that occur due to various underlying causes.

• Entropion (inward-turning eyelid) is often caused by age-related weakening of eyelid muscles, scarring from injury or previous surgeries, chronic eye infections, or conditions like trachoma.
• Ectropion (outward-turning eyelid) is most commonly associated with aging but can also result from facial nerve paralysis (such as Bell’s palsy), previous surgeries, skin conditions, trauma, or congenital defects.

Both conditions can lead to eye irritation, excessive tearing, and an increased risk of infections if left untreated.

What Are Some Tips for Managing Entropion or Ectropion?

If you experience symptoms of entropion or ectropion, you can take temporary measures to protect your eyes before seeking medical treatment:

• Use artificial tears to keep your eyes lubricated and reduce discomfort.
• Apply protective ointments to shield your eye from irritation and dryness.
• Wear glasses or an eye shield to prevent wind and debris from aggravating your eye.
• Use medical tape (for ectropion) to gently reposition your eyelid and protect your cornea.
• Consider Botox injections (for entropion) as a short-term solution to relax the muscles pulling the eyelid inward.

While these methods provide temporary relief, surgical correction is usually the most effective and long-term solution.

How Does Entropion or Ectropion Affect Your Vision? 

Both conditions can significantly impact vision and eye health if left untreated.

• Entropion causes the eyelashes and eyelid to rub against the cornea, leading to irritation, redness, excessive tearing, and an increased risk of corneal abrasions or ulcers. Severe cases may result in vision loss if corneal damage occurs.
• Ectropion prevents proper eyelid closure, leading to chronic dryness, exposure-related irritation, excessive tearing, and a higher risk of eye infections. Prolonged exposure can damage the cornea, leading to blurry vision or discomfort.

Early intervention helps prevent complications and preserves long-term eye health.

How Are These Conditions Diagnosed?

A comprehensive eye exam is essential to diagnose entropion or ectropion. During your evaluation, our eye doctors may:

• Examine eyelid positioning and function by assessing how your lids move when blinking and closing.
• Perform a slit-lamp exam to inspect your eye’s surface for signs of irritation, corneal damage, or infection.
• Assess tear film stability to determine if the condition contributes to excessive dryness or watery eyes.
• Check facial nerve function in cases where nerve paralysis may be the cause of ectropion.

Additional imaging or tests may be recommended if scarring or other underlying conditions are suspected.

What Is Recovery Like for Entropion or Ectropion Surgery?

Surgical correction is the most effective way to restore normal eyelid function and alleviate symptoms. The recovery process typically includes:

• Mild swelling and bruising, which improves within one to two weeks.
• Temporary eye dryness or irritation, managed with prescribed eye drops or ointments.
• Minimal discomfort, with most patients able to resume normal activities within a few days.
• Stitch removal (if applicable), usually within a week, depending on the surgical approach.
• Full healing within four to six weeks, with improved eyelid positioning and symptom relief.

Following post-operative instructions, such as avoiding strenuous activities and keeping the area clean, helps ensure optimal healing.

Why You Should Treat Your Entropion/Ectropion at Clarity Eye Group

Clarity Eye Group’s team includes two amazing ophthalmologists/facial plastic surgeons: Dr. Antoine Fahd and Dr. Lee Novak. With an in-depth understanding of facial anatomy, both doctors know how to make precise, modest adjustments to the eyelids for an outcome that looks both natural and attractive while relieving the patient’s discomfort. To speak to one of our ophthalmologists about treatment options for entropion and ectropion, please call (714) 842-0651 to schedule a consultation.