EntropionWith age, the skin, muscles and tendons of the lower eyelid can sag and droop. In addition, the fat that surrounds and cushions the eyeball can bulge forward through the skin of the lower lids. As the tendons of the lower lid sag, the lower lid can invert and turn inward with the lashes rubbing the eyeball. This can lead to tearing, eye redness, mucous discharge (mattering), crusting of the eyelashes and scratching of the cornea.
What is the treatment option for Entropion? Repair of a lower lid entropion is typically done as an outpatient procedure. The patient usually gets a “local” injection of anaesthesia, and sedation although deeper anaesthesia can be given if needed. The inferior retractors of the lower lid are tightened to their correct position so the eyelid margin is no longer turned in. The tendons of the eyelid in the corners of the eye are usually tightened with sutures through small incisions. The specifics are tailored to each patient’s needs.
The results of entropion repair depend upon each patient’s symptoms, unique anatomy, appearance goals, and ability to adapt to changes. Entropion repair only corrects the droopiness and sagginess but is not considered a cosmetic procedure. By correcting this droopiness of the lower lid, the surgery typically improves tearing and mucous discharge as well as the foreign body sensation that is caused by lashes rubbing the eye. Because saggy in-turned eyelids are typically consequences of aging, most patients feel that entropion repair improves their appearance and makes them look better with eyes that are not red all the time.
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EctropionWith age, the skin, muscles and tendons of the lower eyelid can sag and droop. In addition, the fat that surrounds and cushions the eyeball can bulge forward through the skin of the lower lids. As the tendons of the lower lid sag, the lower lid can evert and turn inside out. It may also occur in patients with facial palsy, which results in a paralytic form of ectropion. This can lead to tearing, eye redness, mucous discharge, crusting of the eyelashes and skin irritation. Excess skin and fat also create what many feel is an unattractive, aged appearance in the lower lids (“bags under the eyes”).
What is the treatment option for Ectropion? Repair of a lower lid ectropion is typically done as an outpatient procedure. The patient usually gets a “local” injection of anaesthesia, and sedation although deeper anaesthesia can be given if needed. The tendons of the eyelid in the corners of the eye are usually tightened with sutures through small incisions. The specifics are tailored to each patient’s needs. Also, some patients may choose to have cosmetic “add-on” procedures performed at the same time as functional (insurance) surgery. For example, they may choose to have their lower lid fat bags removed knowing that this is NOT covered by insurance. The results of ectropion repair depend upon each patient’s symptoms, unique anatomy, appearance goals, and ability to adapt to changes. Ectropion repair only corrects the droopiness and sagginess but is not considered a cosmetic procedure. By correcting this droopiness and outward turning of the lower lid, the surgery typically improves tearing and mucous discharge.
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