Learn About Entropion
Entropion is the turning in of an edge of an eyelid. This causes the lashes to rub against the eye. It most often is seen on the lower eyelid.
Eyelid - entropion; Eye pain - entropion; Tearing - entropion
Entropion can be present at birth (congenital).
In babies, it rarely causes problems because the lashes are very soft and do not easily damage the eye. In older people, the condition is most often caused by a spasm or weakening of the muscles surrounding the lower part of the eye.
Another cause can be trachoma infection, which can lead to scarring of the inner side of the lid. This is rare in North America and Europe. However, trachoma scarring is one of the three leading causes of blindness in the world.
Risk factors for entropion are:
- Aging
- Chemical burn
- Infection with trachoma
Symptoms include:
- Decreased vision if the cornea is damaged
- Excessive tearing
- Eye discomfort or pain
- Eye irritation
- Redness
Artificial tears can keep the eye from becoming dry and may help you feel better. Surgery to correct the position of the eyelids works well in most cases.
Northshore Medical Group
Paul Phelps is an Ophthalmologist in Glenview, Illinois. Dr. Phelps has been practicing medicine for over 12 years and is rated as an Elite doctor by MediFind in the treatment of Entropion. He is also highly rated in 22 other conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Entropion, Chalazion, Eyelid Drooping, and Meibomianitis. He is board certified in Ophthalmology and licensed to treat patients in Illinois. Dr. Phelps is currently accepting new patients.
Aichi Medical University
Hirohiko Kakizaki is in Nagakute, Japan. Kakizaki is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Entropion. They are also highly rated in 15 other conditions, according to our data. Their top areas of expertise are Entropion, Blocked Tear Duct, Eyelid Drooping, and Lacrimal Gland Tumor.
Moorfields Eye Hospital
Kaveh Vahdani is in London, United Kingdom. Vahdani is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Entropion. He is also highly rated in 10 other conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Entropion, Lacrimal Gland Tumor, Dacryoadenitis, and Ectropion.
The outlook is most often good if the condition is treated before eye damage occurs.
Dry eye and irritation may increase the risk for:
- Corneal abrasions
- Corneal ulcers
- Eye infections
Call your provider if:
- Your eyelids turn inward.
- You constantly feel as though there is something in your eye.
If you have entropion, the following should be considered an emergency:
- Decreasing vision
- Light sensitivity
- Pain
- Eye redness that increases rapidly
Most cases cannot be prevented. Treatment reduces the risk of complications.
See your provider if you have red eyes after visiting an area where there is trachoma (such as North Africa or South Asia).
Cioffi GA, Liebmann JM. Diseases of the visual system. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 26th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 395.
Gigantelli JW. Entropion. In: Yanoff M, Duker JS, eds. Ophthalmology. 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2019:chap 12.5.