A turning of the edge of the eyelid towards the inside.
Abnormal inward turning of an edge, especially the eyelid toward the eyeball, resulting from spasm or from scar tissue on the conjunctiva.
Inward turning of the eyelid. Entropion usually affects the lower eyelid and causes the skin of the eyelid and the eyelashes to rub against the surface of the eye. The rubbing can lead to excess tearing, crusting of the eyelid, mucus discharge, the feeling that something is in the eye, irritation of the clear outer covering of the eye (cornea), and impaired vision. Scarring of the cornea can result, which may lead to some vision loss. Surgery to alleviate entropion is effective and should be performed before permanent damage occurs.
Inturning of the eyelid toward the eyeball. The lashes may rub against the eye and cause irritation. The commonest type is spastic entropion of the lower eyelid, due to spasm of the muscle that closes the eye (orbicularis oculi). Entropion may also be caused by scarring of the lining membrane (conjunctiva) of the lid.
An inversion or turning inward of an edge, especially the margin of the lower eyelid.
This is an eyelid abnormality where the edges of the eyelids turn inward, leading to the lashes rubbing against the cornea (the transparent front dome of the eyeball) and the conjunctiva (the membrane covering the white of the eye and the inside of the eyelid).
Entropion can be congenital, meaning it is present from birth, particularly in overweight babies. Additionally, it is frequently observed in elderly individuals due to the weakening of muscles around the lower eye, leading to the inward turning of the lower eyelid. Scarring, such as that resulting from trachoma, can also cause entropion in either the upper or lower eyelid.
Entropion in babies is generally not bothersome to the eye and typically resolves within a few months. However, in later stages of life, entropion can lead to irritation, conjunctivitis, corneal damage, or vision issues. Fortunately, surgery to correct entropion can effectively prevent these complications from occurring.
The eyelid is turned inward, causing the eyelashes to scrape against the eyeball.