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Repair of Eyelids Turned Inward or Outward
Repair of Eyelids Turned Inward
An entropion is an inwardly turned (inverted) eyelid. The condition occurs primarily as a result of advancing age which causes weakening of certain eyelid muscles. The imbalance between eyelid muscle groups results in the inward turning of the eyelid. The condition almost always affects the lower, rather than the upper, eyelids. This condition causes the patient significant irritation due to the rubbing of the lid and lashes on the surface of the eye.
Repair of ectropian eyelids due to the natural aging process may be completed with a variety of procedures. Dr. Carroll successfully completes most cases with a small incision just beneath the lower eyelashes and a tightening of tissues to resolve the imbalance between the muscle groups of the lower lid.
Repair of Eyelids Turned Outward
An ectropion is an outwardly turned (everted) eyelid. This condition is most often associated with aging, though it may also occur congenitally, as a result of scarring or other surgeries, or secondary to facial nerve paralysis (like Bell's palsy). If not repaired, the condition may lead to thickening of the mucosal surface on the inside of the eyelid (conjunctiva) with consequent inflammation of and danger to the health of the eye itself. Many patients also experience dryness and irritation due to the exposed surface of the eye.
The best method of repair for an ectropion often depends on the underlying cause. In the involutional type of ectropion (associated with aging), Dr. Carroll may elect to shorten and tighten the lower lid, thereby resolving the outwardly turned lid.
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