What is Ectropion and Entropion?
Ectropion and entropion are malpositions of the eyelid margin in which it rotates outwards (ectropion) or inwards (entropion). The consequences of these malpositions are (in addition to the cosmetic ones): irritation of the ocular surface, tearing, and redness. The end result can be serious damage to the cornea due to ulcers and infections.
What are the causes of ectropion and entropion?
The most common cause is a weakening of the muscles and tissues that support the eyelid as a result of aging . Facial paralysis , regardless of age, also causes sagging of the eyelid’s supporting structures. Finally, scarring secondary to trauma, burns, or chronic inflammation of the skin or conjunctiva pulls the margin outward (ectropion) or inward (entropion), respectively.
Preguntas frecuentes sobre Ectropion y Entropion
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The treatment is surgical and basically consists of reinforcing weakened structures and/or replacing scarred tissue with healthy tissue. . In most cases, strengthening the tendons that support the eyelids is sufficient. This is done with minimally invasive surgeries that generally leave no visible scar. In cases of scarring, we must also remove the scar tissue and replace it with healthy tissue, using grafts from the patient himself, such as skin or mucosa, as appropriate.
