Entropion Surgery
Lower eyelid entropion is a condition where the lower eyelid rotates inwards causing the eyelashes to scratch against the surface of the eye. As a result it causes a foreign body sensation, watering and stickiness of the eye and as a result is sometimes mistaken for conjunctivitis. The inversion of the eyelid is usually the result of laxity of the eyelid which becomes more common in later life and can also be associated with certain medical conditions such as obstructive sleep apnoea
Treatment
Surgical treatment is usually necessary, although temporary relief of up to three months can be achieved using an injection of botulinum toxin into the lower eyelid. Surgical correction involves tightening and reorientation of the lower eyelid. It is usually performed under local anaesthetic as a day case procedure. Absorbable sutures are usually used which
dissolve and/or fall away in the weeks following the procedure.
Pre-Operatively
Certain medications may need to be discontinued prior to the procedure. Foods and supplements such as ginger, garlic, ginseng, gingko biloba and vitamin E should be avoided for two weeks prior to surgery since they may have a similar effect.
On the day of surgery no make up should be warn. You may eat and drink as normal prior to your arrival.
Post-Operative Care
A dressing will be applied to the operated eye and should be removed 24-48 hours post-operatively. If both sides have undergone surgery, usually only one side will be dressed. Simple painkillers such as paracetamol may be useful if there is any discomfort. Ice packs (or bags of frozen peas) wrapped in a clean pillowcase or tea towel should be applied 5 times daily for the first 3 days.
​Sleeping with several pillows in order to elevate the head overnight will help to reduce swelling. Clean your face using a clean, damp flannel, cotton wool pads or baby wipe; avoid immersing your face in water until the skin stitches have disappeared.
Risks
Bruising and swelling should be expected. The eye may be watery and sticky for up to two months following the procedure. This is normal and does not indicate infection. The risk of post-operative
infection is low.
Please feel free to ask any questions you may have at any point prior to the procedure.
