What is Entropion?
Entropion is when your eyelid turns inwards. This makes your eyelashes and skin rub against the surface of your eye. It can feel scratchy, watery, and sore. If it’s not treated, it may cause infections, scarring, and even loss of vision.
It’s different from a condition called trichiasis, where the eyelid itself is in the right place, but the lashes grow inwards.
I have a 100% success rate for age-related entropion with no recurrences to date. I offer in person or remote consultations and use dissolving stitches so the only time you need to visit is for treatment if you wish.
Dr Lin and team, Thank you for your kind and skillful treatment of my eyelids yesterday.
Mrs SG
Mr Lin, good morning, thank you for much for your call yesterday. It’s fantastic news with the results I’m so thrilled and so grateful to you for your very positive and excellent work, it’s healing really very well. Many thanks. Kindest regards.
Mrs JG
What Causes Entropion?
Most people get entropion in the lower eyelid as they get older. The tissues and muscles around the eyelid naturally become looser with age, and the eyelid can start to roll inwards.
At first, this might only happen from time to time, but it usually becomes more constant later on.
In rarer cases, entropion can happen because of scarring inside the eyelid from infections, injuries, or diseases. Both the upper and lower eyelids can be affected in this way.
✅ Benefits of Surgery
Temporary fixes like taping the eyelid or using lubricating drops can protect the eye for a short while. But they don’t solve the problem.
Surgery is the only long-term cure. It puts the eyelid back in its normal position so that your eye is comfortable and safe again.
My Approach to Treating Entropion
I always aim for the longest-lasting result. Although it takes a little more time and care, it usually means the problem is permanently fixed.
Surgery
- Done under local anaesthetic (you’ll be awake but comfortable)
- Usually a quick day-case procedure
- The surgery depends on the cause, but it often involves tightening the eyelid and reattaching the small muscles that have slipped
Temporary Options (if you want to delay surgery)
- Taping the lid: I can show you how to do this safely
- Lubricating drops/ointment: helps protect the eye
- Antibiotic drops: used if the eye becomes sticky or infected
- Injections: relaxes the muscles that pull the eyelid inwards (short-term effect)
What Happens After Surgery?
Before you leave, I’ll give you clear written instructions and the drops/ointments you’ll need.
- Discomfort: mild and usually settles in a few days. Take paracetamol if needed (but avoid aspirin).
- Swelling & bruising: normal – eased with ice packs (like frozen peas in a towel) and sleeping with your head propped up.
- Cleaning: use cooled, boiled water to gently clean the eyelids.
- Stitches: I normally use dissolving stitches, so nothing needs to be removed.
Recovery timeline:
- Driving/work: usually fine within a few days, once the dressing is removed and your vision is clear.
- Exercise: light activity is fine after a few days; avoid heavy lifting, running, or strenuous workouts for four weeks.
- Make-up: wait until any scabs have fallen off.
- Contact lenses: avoid for at least two weeks.
⚠️ Risks to Consider
I perform many hundreds of eyelid operations every year. I use my experience to minimise risks, but as with any surgery, some problems can happen.
Common and temporary:
- Bruising/swelling: normal, settles in a few weeks
- Blurred vision: may last for a few days
- Bleeding: usually mild and stops quickly; if not, contact me
Very rare:
- Infection: may need antibiotics
- Recurrence: the eyelid can loosen again with age, the success rate to date is 100% for age-related entropion
- Scarring: usually hidden in natural eyelid creases; ointments and massage can help
- Asymmetry: eyelids may not look perfectly identical afterwards, usually the treated side looks better!
- Severe bleeding behind the eye: this could threaten vision, which is why I advise avoiding aspirin and heavy exertion for several weeks after surgery. You will have my direct contact details in case of emergency. This has never happened to date and can only occur in complex entropion cases due to a different technique
Frequently Asked Questions
Can entropion get better on its own?
No, it usually gets worse with time unless treated.
How long does the operation take?
Most procedures take less than an hour, and you go home the same day.
Is the surgery painful?
You may feel some pressure, but local anaesthetic prevents pain. Discomfort afterwards is usually mild.
How soon will my eye feel better?
Many patients feel relief straight away because the lashes no longer rub the eye.
Ready to Get Relief?
Living with entropion can be uncomfortable, frustrating, and worrying for your eyesight. Surgery is a straightforward procedure that can make a big difference to your comfort and protect your vision.
If you think you may have entropion, please get in touch to arrange a consultation. I’ll examine your eyelids carefully, explain your options, and guide you towards the safest, most effective treatment.
📞 Call my clinic or 📩 send an enquiry to arrange your appointment.