Ingrown Eyelashes (Entropion & Ectropion)

What are entropion and ectropion?

Entropion and ectropion are conditions in which the eyelid turns inward or outward, away from its normal position. Both are most common in the lower eyelid and become more likely with age, as the tendons and muscles that hold the eyelid in place gradually weaken and stretch. They can also result from scarring, previous eyelid surgery, or, less commonly, injury.

• Entropion — the eyelid turns inward, causing lashes to rub against the eye. Left untreated, the constant friction can damage the surface of the eye and, in more severe cases, lead to corneal scarring or infection.
• Ectropion — the eyelid turns outward, exposing the inner surface and causing irritation or watering. Because the eyelid no longer sits against the eye properly, tears can’t drain normally, leading to persistent watering and dryness of the exposed surface.
• Ingrown or inturning eyelashes — lashes that grow toward the eye rather than away from it, with or without a wider eyelid position problem. This can occur on its own or alongside entropion.

Symptoms

• A feeling of grittiness or irritation, as if something is in the eye
• Redness and watering
• Sensitivity to light
• Mucous discharge or a sticky sensation around the eye
• Visible inward or outward turning of the eyelid margin
• In longer-standing cases, discomfort that worsens throughout the day

Diagnosis

Diagnosed through a routine eyelid examination. Your surgeon will assess the position and tension of the eyelid, check for any scarring or previous surgery contributing to the problem, and examine the surface of the eye for any damage caused by lashes rubbing against it.

Treatments

• Minor eyelid procedures — correcting the position of the eyelid or removing problem lashes, performed quickly and safely under local anaesthetic. In some