Bucks Oculoplastic




home | who we are | info for GPs | conditions we treat | contact us  

Entropion is a term used to describe in-turning of the eyelid. This can happen either in the upper or lower lid but is much more common in the lower lid.

Your surgeon will have explained to you the cause of your entropion. The commonest cause of entropion is age related laxity of eyelid tissues.

There are however other causes such as inflammation and scarring of the inner surface of the eyelid.

Rarely are babies born with this condition. Often a period of wait and see is adopted as quite frequently this rectifies itself as the child's face grows. Often use of artificial tears during the day and a simple eye ointment at night is sufficient. In adults however surgery is often required.

If surgery is refused a small injection of botox in the eyelid can relieve the discomfort for a short period of time. This injection however has to be repeated.

Use of artificial tears as well as applying a small strip of sticky tape to the corner of the eyelid to pull the lashes away from the eye is also helpful as a temporary measure until surgery is carried out.

Surgery

Your surgeon will explain the exact technique used. The eyelid is injected with a solution of local anaesthesia. The outer or inner or both corners of eyelid is sutured on to the orbital rim. This can leave a bit of tenderness on the corners for a few weeks but often resolves.

Sutures are dissolvable and if they are not absorbed the will be removed by the nurse around one month after surgery. The eye is usually covered for 24 hours. It is advisable not to drive until the dressing is removed. The swelling and bruising usually lasts about 7-10 days, however if you are planning a social event allow at least a month for full recovery.

How to prepare for surgery

You will be asked to stop Aspirin for 3 weeks and Warfarin for 2 days before the operation if you are taking any of these. You must check with your GP to make sure it is safe to do so.

You will also be asked to fast for about 6 hours. You can drink water or tea but no milk up to 2 hours before your operation. Although your operation would be under local anaesthetic it is advisable to have an empty stomach particularly as you might require sedation. Wear comfortable clothes. You will be asked to change into a theatre gown and also to remove your jewellery.

Complications of Entropion operation:

  1. Allergy to cleaning or anaesthetic solution.
  2. Infection (unlikely in eyelids as they have very good blood supply).
  3. Overcorrection.
  4. Recurrence.
  5. Corneal abrasion.

Our recent audit showed a successful outcome of 98%.

The alternative to surgery is repeated injections of botox and the application of a sticky tape. Of course you might want to choose not to have anything done, however you must be aware that repeated contact between the eyelashes and the eye can lead to corneal problems and on rare occasions, affects the sight.
 

home | who we are | info for GPs | conditions we treat | contact us  
 

 Copyright © 2006, 2007 Bucks Oculoplastic. This website is supported by Bucks Oculoplastic Friends. Disclaimer

another website by beaufort web design uk