Ectropion and Entropion Repair

Click here to see before and after photos

ENTROPION REPAIR
Entropion is the medical term for inward rolling (toward the eye) of the lower eyelid and eyelashes. This results in the skin and eyelashes eyelid rubbing against the cornea (front part of the eye) and the conjunctiva (the eye’s protective mucous membrane).   Excessive tearing, eyelid crusting, mucous discharge, irritation of the cornea, impaired vision – and the feeling that something is in the eye – all result from Entropion.  Entropion is usually the result of normal aging with some cases caused by chemical and thermal burns, inflammatory diseases, such as ocular pemphigoid, or allergic reactions.  Entropion may be present at birth if the eyelids have not formed properly, but this is rare. Dr. Cole is an Oculoplastic Surgeon who has specialized in all surgeries of the eye – and he is recognized nationally for his expertise and natural looking outcomes.

BENEFITS OF ENTROPION REPAIR:

• Entropion Repair corrects the inward rolling of the lower eyelid/eyelashes
• Entropion Repair is safe, effective & commonly performed
• Entropion Repair eliminates tearing, crusting, mucous discharge, irritation & impaired vision caused by the inward rolling eyelid & eyelashes
• Entropion Repair is an outpatient surgical procedure performed by Dr. Cole

ENTROPION REPAIR PROCEDURE:
Local anesthesia is normally used for this procedure which takes between 15–30 minutes.  Dr. Cole will make an incision and work through it to tighten the eyelid and its attachments.  You will need to apply antibiotic ointment for about a week until risk of infection has passed and healing is well under way.  A patch is worn overnight after your surgery.

__________________________________________

ECTROPION REPAIR
Ectropion is the medical term used to describe the sagging and turning outward of the lower eyelid and eyelashes.  The margins of the eyelid and the eyelashes evert (turn outward).  This results in rubbing that typically causes excessive tearing, crusting of the eyelid, mucous discharge and irritation of the eye. During blinking the eyelids normally sweep across the surface of the Cornea. Tearing occurs because the eyelids are not able to wipe the surface of the cornea properly to pump the tears into the tear duct.  Most cases of Ectropion are due to relaxation of the eyelid tissues from normal aging. Some cases are caused by scarring resultant from chemical and thermal burns, trauma, skin cancers or previous eyelid surgery.  Ectropion is rarely present at birth unless the eyelids have not formed properly.  Dr. Cole recommends and performs Ectropion surgery to correct the outward turning before the rubbing damages the cornea resulting in scarring.

BENEFITS OF ECTROPION REPAIR:

• Ectropion Repair corrects the outward turning of the lower eyelid & eyelashes
• Ectropion Repair is a safe, effective commonly performed surgery
• Ectropion Repair eliminates tearing, crusting, mucous discharge, irritation & impaired vision caused by the outward rolling eyelid & eyelashes
• Ectropion Repair is an outpatient surgical procedure performed by Dr. Cole

ECTROPION REPAIR PROCEDURE:
Local anesthesia is normally used for this procedure which takes between 15–30 minutes.  Dr. Cole will make an incision and work through it to tighten the eyelid and its attachments.  You will need to apply antibiotic ointment for about a week until risk of infection has passed and healing is well under way.  A patch is worn overnight after your surgery.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT
ENTROPION & ECTROPION REPAIR:

What Are The Risks Of Not Having Ectropion & Entropion Repair?
In either situation – Entropion for the inward turning of the lower eyelid and eyelashes, or Ectropion for the sagging and outward turning of the lower eyelid and eyelashes, if repair is not done there is risk of damage to the Cornea and the conditions of excessive tearing, crusting, impaired vision etc. still remain uncorrected.

How Long Does Entropion And/Or Ectropion Surgery Take?
Depending upon the extent of repair needed – the procedure typically takes about 30 minutes.

Is This An Out-Patient Procedure?
YES.  This is performed in our JCAHO accredited office surgery suite as on out-patient procedure.

What Is Recovery Like After Entropion Or Ectropion Repair?
Some swelling, bruising and a little discomfort is normal and to be expected.  This resolves within a few days and you will feel much better.

What Can I Expect Right After Surgery?
You will have an antibiotic ointment applied to the surgical area and will be required to wear an eye patch overnight.  You will then need to apply the ointment daily for several days until risk of infection is gone and healing is nearly complete.

What About Sutures With Entropion or Ectropion Repair?
Dissolvable sutures are used – so they are gone in 7-14 days.

Is The Surgery For Entropion or Ectropion Repair Painful?
NO.  Most patients feel no pain – only a little discomfort from swelling and bruising which is easily managed and resolves in just a few days.

____________________________________

BOARD CERTIFICATION

Dr. Cole is a quadruple board certified surgeon which means he has met the rigorous high standards and training requirements of four medical boards.  This involved several years more of specialized training and experience in all four areas – in addition to medical school, internships, residencies, fellowship training and vast experience. Board certification does not guarantee a certain outcome, but it does ensure specialized training skill and expertise far beyond the norm.
More about Dr. Cole