Entropion
Information for patients from the Ophthalmology Department
This leaflet is not meant to replace the information discussed between you and your doctor, but can act as a starting point for such a discussion or as a useful reminder of the key points.
What is entropion?
Entropion is the turning inwards of the lower eyelid. It is caused by either:
old age, when the eyelid muscle goes into spasm and turns inwards; or
injury or disease of the eyelid or inner surface of the lid; this will make the eye very irritable because the eyelashes rub the inside of the eye.
What is a correction of entropion?
How to correct an entropion depends on the degree of turning in your eyelid. A surgical procedure is carried out in the Minor Operations Theatre or Outpatients Department, to pull the lower lid outwards and bring your eyelid in to its normal position. You will be given a local anaesthetic (the area is numbed but you are awake) by the ophthalmic (eye) surgeon.
You may have stitches that will need to be removed about one to two weeks after your procedure.
How will this help?
Once your eyelid is back in its normal position, your eye should stop from feeling sore.
What should I do before I come in to hospital?
Before coming in to hospital, we would like you to fill in the forms sent with your admission letter.
If you are taking warfarin you will need to let us know before coming in to hospital, as you may need to stop taking this before your procedure.
What happens when I arrive at the hospital?
On admission you will be greeted by your named nurse. They will ask questions about your health, medication, and discuss your care with you. An identity band will be put on your wrist.
What happens before my operation?
You will be seen by the ophthalmic doctor either on the ward or in the Minor Operations Theatre. They will ask for your consent to proceed with the surgery. Please remember that you can withdraw your consent for treatment at any time.
You will be asked to put on a theatre gown to protect your own clothes, and all jewellery will be covered with tape. A nurse will put drops in your eye to numb the inside of your lower lid.
How long will I be in hospital?
You may go home 30 minutes after surgery.
How will I feel afterwards?
Your eye may feel sore inside the eyelid and you may have some bruising around the lower lid. You will have antibiotic ointment in your eye, so your vision may be blurred for a few minutes.
What should I do when I go home?
Do not drive until your vision is cleared, preferably not until the next day.
Do not rub your eye, as the anaesthetic drops put in to numb the area around the inside of your eyelid take about one hour to wear off.
Do wash your hands before putting ointment / drops in your eye.
What do I do if I feel unwell at home?
If you feel unwell at home, please contact your GP for advice.
What do I do if my eye is bothering me?
If this happens, please call either of the following and explain your problem.
Channel Day Surgery, William Harvey Hospital, Ashford
Telephone: 01233 616263Rotary Ward, William Harvey Hospital, Ashford
Telephone: 01233 616232
Will I have to come back in to hospital?
Yes. You will be sent / given an appointment to come to Outpatients for a follow-up appointment.
When can I return to work?
You can return to work the day after your procedure.
What are the complications of entropion?
Scratches to the cornea (corneal abrasions)
Corneal ulceration
Some superficial corneal opacities
Blood vessels on the cornea (vascularisation of the cornea)
Over-correction can cause the eyelid to turn outwards and then an ectropion occurs.
How successful is the treatment for entropion?
Repair of the entropion hopefully cures the problem, but they have been known to re-occur after surgery and surgical repair has to be carried out again.
Are there alternatives to surgery?
Your eyelid can be taped in to the correct position but this does not work for every entropion and is not the preferred course of action.
What are the benefits to having surgery?
After the treatment your eye should be comfortable and pain free.