Entropion is a common eyelid condition in which the eyelid turns inwards towards the eye. Typically, this only affects the lower eyelid. However, it may also occur in the upper eyelid.
As a result of the rolling inwards of the eyelid, the eyelashes and surrounding skin can rub against the eye leading to significant discomfort and irritation to the eye surface. Due to this constant friction, if not treated, the condition can lead to erosions of the epithelial surface. This can result in infection or ulceration of the cornea, which can be sight-threatening.
There are a variety of symptoms associated with entropion, including irritation, soreness, watery eyes, red eyes, crusting around the eyelid and sticky discharge.
Due to the nature of the condition, symptoms do not normally improve spontaneously or with medicines, and surgery is usually the only effective long-term treatment option (as a short-term solution to deal with the constant irritation some patients apply surgical tape on a daily basis to turn the eyelids out, but this can be uncomfortable to remove and is not cosmetically appealing).
