Eyelash Rubbing
Eyelashes may rub directly against the surface of the eye, producing a persistent scratchy or foreign-body sensation.
Aesthetic Eye & Surgical Arts
Entropion Repair
When the eyelid turns inward and the eyelashes rub against the eye.
Entropion occurs when the eyelid turns inward, causing the eyelashes and skin to rub against the surface of the eye. This can cause irritation, tearing, redness, sensitivity to light, and sometimes damage to the cornea.
Understanding Entropion
More than an eyelid position problem
The eyelids help protect the eyes and distribute tears across the ocular surface. When the eyelid turns inward, the eyelashes may repeatedly rub against the cornea and conjunctiva.
Symptoms can include a foreign-body sensation, irritation, redness, tearing, discharge, light sensitivity, or blurred vision.
Because persistent rubbing can injure the surface of the eye, entropion should be evaluated even when the symptoms initially seem minor.
The lower eyelid turns inward, causing the eyelashes and eyelid margin to rub against the surface of the eye.
Signs & Symptoms
An inward-turning eyelid can irritate the eye
Redness & Irritation
Repeated contact with the eye can cause redness, discomfort, inflammation, and sensitivity.
Tearing
Eye irritation may stimulate excessive tearing, even though the underlying problem is abnormal eyelid position.
Corneal Protection
Persistent rubbing can damage the corneal surface and, in more severe cases, threaten vision.
Causes
Entropion often develops as eyelid support changes
Entropion most commonly develops as the tissues supporting the lower eyelid loosen or change with age.
Changes in eyelid tension and the muscles that control eyelid position can allow the lid margin to rotate inward.
Less commonly, entropion may be associated with scarring, previous surgery, injury, inflammation, or other eyelid conditions.
What We EvaluateEyelid position and stabilityEyelid laxityEyelid muscle functionEyelash contact with the eyeCorneal and ocular surface health
Treatment
Treatment addresses the cause of the inward-turning eyelid
Temporary measures may sometimes reduce irritation, but they do not necessarily correct the underlying eyelid position.
When surgery is appropriate, entropion repair is designed to restore the eyelid to a more normal position and reduce contact between the eyelashes and the eye.
The specific repair is tailored to the patient's eyelid anatomy, degree of laxity, muscle function, and underlying cause of the entropion.
The goal is a comfortable, stable eyelid that protects the eye and functions naturally.
Most of Dr. Brannan's eyelid procedures are performed in the office, providing a familiar surgical setting for the great majority of patients. When another setting is more appropriate, it is recommended based on the procedure and individual medical needs.
Eye Protection
Protecting the surface of the eye
Comfort & Eyelid Function
Correcting the inward position of the eyelid can reduce rubbing, irritation, tearing, and foreign-body sensation.
Corneal Health
Persistent eyelash contact can injure the corneal surface. Restoring normal eyelid position helps protect the eye from continued irritation and damage.
Entropion repair is generally performed to restore eyelid function and protect the eye rather than for cosmetic purposes. Insurance coverage depends on the patient's condition, medical necessity, and individual insurance plan.
Specialized Training
Eyelid position and eye protection are closely connected
Oculofacial plastic surgery combines ophthalmology training with specialized fellowship training focused on the eyelids and surrounding structures.
Entropion repair requires attention not only to eyelid position, but also to eyelid stability, movement, tear function, and protection of the ocular surface.
Two-Year ASOPRS Fellowship TrainedSpecialized eyelid surgical trainingOphthalmic evaluation of the ocular surfaceAttention to eyelid position and stabilityFunctional and anatomical approach to repair
Preparation & Recovery
What to expect after entropion repair
Swelling, bruising, and temporary eyelid tightness can occur during the early healing period and gradually improve.
Postoperative ointment and other eye-care instructions are provided as appropriate. Follow-up visits allow the eyelid position, healing, and ocular surface to be monitored.
Most patients gradually return to normal activities as healing progresses, although recovery varies according to the procedure performed and the individual patient.
View Preparation & Recovery Guide →Our Approach
Thoughtful care begins with the right diagnosis
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about entropion repair
What is entropion?
Entropion is an inward turning of the eyelid that causes the eyelashes or eyelid skin to rub against the surface of the eye. It most commonly affects the lower eyelid.
What symptoms can entropion cause?
Symptoms may include irritation, redness, tearing, a scratchy or foreign-body sensation, light sensitivity, discharge, and blurred vision.
Can entropion damage the eye?
Yes. Persistent rubbing of the eyelashes against the eye can injure the corneal surface. More significant corneal damage can potentially affect vision.
Why does entropion develop?
Age-related changes in eyelid support are common causes. Entropion can also occur because of scarring, inflammation, previous surgery, injury, or other eyelid conditions.
Does entropion always require surgery?
Not necessarily. Treatment depends on the cause, severity, symptoms, and condition of the ocular surface. Some temporary treatments can relieve symptoms, but surgery may be recommended when correction of the eyelid position is needed.
Is entropion repair covered by insurance?
Entropion repair may be considered medically necessary when appropriate clinical criteria are met. Coverage and documentation requirements vary by insurance plan.
Will my eyelid look different after surgery?
The primary purpose of entropion repair is to restore a more normal eyelid position and protect the eye. Changes in appearance are generally related to correcting the abnormal inward position.
How long is recovery?
Swelling and bruising are common early in recovery and generally improve with time. The exact recovery period depends on the repair performed and the individual patient.
Can entropion come back?
Recurrence is possible because eyelid tissues continue to change over time. The likelihood depends on the underlying cause, anatomy, and type of repair.
Aesthetic Eye & Surgical Arts
Is Your Eyelid Turning Inward?
Persistent irritation, tearing, or eyelashes rubbing against the eye may be caused by entropion. A careful eyelid examination can determine the cause and whether treatment is appropriate.
(941) 921-04005310 Clark Road, Suite 106, Sarasota, FL 34233
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