Entropion and Ectropion

The scratching hairs can cause irritation, a sensation of having sand in the eye, or sensitivity to bright light.

An entropion is usually caused by aging of the eyelid tissues, leading to a weakening of the retractor muscle and causing the eyelid to turn inward. Scarring of the mucous membrane around the eyeball can also cause an entropion.

If there are no or only minor complaints or when surgery is not advisable, the eyelid can be held in a good position with adhesive tape and the eye can be moistened with artificial tears, eye gel, or eye ointment. Generally, an entropion can be corrected with surgery. The procedure is done under local anesthesia and takes about 45 minutes. The goal is to tighten the weakened retractor muscle of the lower eyelid through a small incision under the eyelashes. The wound is closed with stitches, which will be removed after 7 days.

You need to stop taking blood-thinning medication 10 days before the procedure. Consult your general practitioner or specialist who prescribed this medication. If you cannot stop taking these medications, discuss this with your ophthalmologist as soon as possible. You can resume taking blood thinners the day after the procedure. On the day of the procedure, we ask that you do not wear makeup.

When undergoing an entropion correction, it is advisable to bring someone to accompany you. You should not drive immediately after the procedure. After the treatment, your eyes will not be covered, but the eyelids will be swollen, making blinking difficult and impairing your vision.

The lower eyelid is usually temporarily red and swollen due to bruising, which gradually subsides. You may also feel that your eye is irritated or that there is a grain of sand in it. This can usually be relieved with artificial tears. For pain, you may take a regular painkiller, such as Dafalgan. In the first week after the procedure, avoid activities that put pressure on the head and eyes, such as heavy lifting and sports, to prevent bleeding. Avoid using eye makeup and wearing contact lenses in the first week. You can shower and wash your hair as usual. The skin around the eyes is extra sensitive to sunlight in the first weeks. Sun exposure can cause discoloration of the scar. Avoid direct sunlight and use a sunscreen with a high protection factor.

The stitches are removed one week after the procedure during a follow-up consultation. Six weeks after the procedure, you will have a follow-up appointment to assess the final result of the surgery.

Usually, one operation is sufficient to restore the lower eyelid to its original position. However, it is not always possible to achieve a perfect result. Rarely, a wound healing disorder occurs.

This procedure is partially reimbursed by your health insurance.

Exposure of the mucous membrane to air can cause eye irritation and tearing. The eye can also become sensitive to bright light and wind.

An ectropion is usually caused by aging of the tissue in the lower eyelid, leading to horizontal laxity. This causes the lower eyelid to sag and turn outward. In some cases, ectropion can be caused by scarring or an eyelid tumor on the outer side of the eyelid.

If there are no or only minor complaints or when surgery is not advisable, the eye can be moistened with artificial tears, eye gel, or eye ointment. Usually, an ectropion can be corrected with surgery. The procedure is done under local anesthesia and takes about 45 minutes. The goal is to tighten the lower eyelid through a small incision under the eyelashes and sometimes in the outer corner of the eye. The wound is closed with stitches, which will be removed after 7 days.

You need to stop taking blood-thinning medication 10 days before the procedure. Consult your general practitioner or specialist who prescribed this medication. If you cannot stop taking these medications, discuss this with your ophthalmologist as soon as possible. You can resume taking blood thinners the day after the procedure. On the day of the procedure, we ask that you do not wear makeup.

When undergoing an ectropion correction, it is advisable to bring someone to accompany you. You should not drive immediately after the procedure. After the treatment, your eyes will not be covered, but the eyelids will be swollen, making blinking difficult and impairing your vision.

The lower eyelid is usually temporarily red and swollen due to bruising, which gradually subsides. You may also feel that your eye is irritated or that there is a grain of sand in it. This can usually be relieved with artificial tears. It is normal for the lower eyelid to be slightly too tight for the first few days. For pain, you may take a regular painkiller, such as Dafalgan. In the first week after the procedure, avoid activities that put pressure on the head and eyes, such as heavy lifting and sports, to prevent bleeding. Avoid using eye makeup and wearing contact lenses in the first week. You can shower and wash your hair as usual. The skin around the eyes is extra sensitive to sunlight in the first weeks. Sun exposure can cause discoloration of the scar. Avoid direct sunlight and use a sunscreen with a high protection factor.

The stitches are removed one week after the procedure during a follow-up consultation. Six weeks after the procedure, you will have a follow-up appointment to assess the final result of the surgery.

Usually, one operation is sufficient to restore the lower eyelid to its original position. However, it is not always possible to achieve a perfect result. In case of a long-standing ectropion, the mucous membrane on the inside of the eyelid is often thickened, making the condition more difficult to correct. It is not always possible to resolve a tearing eye. Rarely, a wound healing disorder occurs, or a small notch remains in the eyelid margin.

This procedure is partially reimbursed by your health insurance.