If your eyelid is turning inward or outward it can irritate your eye, and increase the risk infection. Read more to learn about what can cause eyelid malposition, and effective treatments available.
The position and tone of your eyelids is essential for the protection of your eye from infection and the drainage of tears.
In a healthy eye, the eyelid hugs the surface of the eye to provide protection. However, age, previous surgery, inflammatory conditions of the skin or conjunctiva, and Bell’s palsy can cause the malposition of your eyelids.
Commonly the lower eyelids are more affected than the superior eyelids.
Inward-Turning (Entropion)
If the eyelid turns inward, eyelashes can rub on the surface of the eye (cornea) causing irritation and redness of the eye. This is called Entropion.
Outward-Turning (Ectropion)
If the eyelid turns outward, the surface of the eye is not adequately protected leaving the sensitive cornea and conjunctiva exposed, which can cause chronic watery eyes (epiphora) and an increased risk of infections. This is called Ectropion.
Symptoms of Eyelid Malposition
Any malposition of the eyelid can cause the surface protection and tear drainage system of the eye to become compromised, manifesting with symptoms of:
- • Eye and Eyelid Redness
- • Sore, Gritty Eyes
- • Foreign Body Sensation (feeling like there is something in your eye)
- • Recurring Infections/Conjunctivities
- • Watery Eyes
- • Reduced Vision
Treatment and Surgery
Treatment of lower eyelid malposition requires addressing the specific cause and improving the protection of the eye.
Temporary measures to alleviate symptoms may include lubricant eye drops, and antibiotic drops or ointments for recurrent infections.
For inward turning (entropion) eyelids, an eye specialist may recommend muscle-relaxant injections to provide a few months of improvement, and eyelid tape can be applied from the lower eyelid and down onto the cheek to temporarily pull the lower eyelid down away from the eye to help give some relief.
For both inward (entropion) and outward (ectropion) turning eyelids, surgery is the more permanent treatment to protect the surface of the eye as it addresses the underlying condition by restoring normal eyelid position.
Entropion (inward) Treatment
Ectropion (outward) Treatment
Specialist Treatment for Eyelid Malposition
Our specialists are available at three convenient clinic locations across the Gold Coast, fully equipped for the diagnosis, treatment and management of all eye-related conditions.