Entropion is a condition where the eyelids fold inward. This condition can cause the eyelashes to rub against the surface of the eyeball, causing irritation and discomfort. Entropion is generally experienced by parents aged over 60 years. This is because the muscles that support the eyelids weaken with age. This condition more often affects the lower eyelid and can occur in one or both eyes.
 |
| Entropion, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, Prevention, Complications |
Entropion can cause eye infections and scratching of the eyeballs. In more serious cases, entropion can lead to blindness. Therefore, this condition needs to get medical examination and treatment.
Causes of Entropion
Entropion occurs due to the weakening of the eyelid muscles due to the aging process. In addition, weakening of the eyelid muscles can also be caused by:
- Infection due to Chlamydia trachomatis bacteria
- Injuries due to exposure to chemicals, accidents, or side effects of surgery
- Irritation from dry eyes or inflammation
- Viral infections, eg shingles
- Birth defects
Entropion Symptoms
Entropion is characterized by the inward folding of the lower eyelid. Sufferers' eyelashes will look stuck to the whites of the eyes so sufferers often feel as if there is something in the eye.
Continuous friction of the eyelashes with the eyeball will cause several problems, such as:
- Reddish eyes
- Eye irritation or pain
- Sensitive to light or wind
- Excessive tears
- Blurred vision
When to see a doctor
Immediately consult a doctor if your eyelids are folded in and if you feel something in your eye. Also consult a doctor if you experience the following complaints:
- The eyes turn red suddenly
- Pain appears in the eye
- The eyes become sensitive to light
- Vision becomes blurred
Diagnostics of Entropion
Doctors can diagnose entropion by looking to see if a patient's eyelids are folded inward. Apart from examining the eyes, the doctor will also ask about other risk factors for entropion, such as a history of accidents or surgery.
Additional tests for entropion are rarely performed. However, in certain cases, the doctor will take eyelid tissue samples to be examined under a microscope.
Entropion Treatment
Treatment of entropion can be done by surgery or other methods, depending on the cause. Here is the explanation:
Operation
The aim of the operation is to return the patient's eyelids to their normal position. The type of surgery performed is adjusted based on the cause.
For example, in entropion that occurs due to the aging process, the doctor will perform surgery to tighten the eyelid muscles. This procedure is done by slightly lifting the folded eyelid.
It should be noted that the operation to treat entropion is carried out using anesthesia. Therefore, if you have a history of allergies to anesthetic drugs, be sure to inform your doctor before surgery.
A common side effect after surgery is swelling and bruising around the eyes. This complaint can be relieved by compressing the eyes using a soft cloth soaked in cold water. The doctor will also teach the patient how to care after surgery.
Another method
Treatment other than surgery is carried out only for the short term or if the patient cannot undergo surgery. The goal is to relieve symptoms and prevent damage to the eye.
Some of the methods that can be done include:
- Use of soft contact lenses to protect the cornea from scratching the eyelashes
- The use of eye lubricants, in the form of ointments or drops that function to relieve discomfort
- Botox injections in the eyelids to weaken certain muscles so the eyelids don't fold inward
- Special plaster attached to the eyelids, so that the eyelids do not fold inward.
Entropion complications
Entropion that is not handled properly has the potential to cause complications, including:
- Eye infection
- Injuries to the cornea (corneal ulcers)
- Permanent blindness
Entropion Prevention
Basically, the eyelid muscles will weaken with age. Therefore, consult with your doctor about the right way of prevention and according to the risk factors you have.
Some independent efforts that can be done to prevent entropion are:
- Wear protective goggles while working, especially if the job poses a risk of harm to the eyes
- Consult a doctor before traveling to areas where trachomas are common
Related Searches:
- entropion in dogs,
- entropion surgery,
- entropion dog,
- entropion surgery dog,
- entropion repair,
- entropion in cats,
- home remedy for entropion in dogs,
- entropion vs ectropion,
- entropion cat,
- ectropion vs entropion,
