Entropion is a term that describes inward rotation of either the upper or lower eyelid. Congenital, involutional, acute spastic and cicatricial types exist, but involutional is by far the most common and is associated with aging. Recurrent infections, keratitis, corneal injury and various other problems may arise, which is why an early diagnosis is imperative in reducing the rate of complications. Treatment almost always requires surgery.
Presentation
Because of constant corneal irritation by inverted eyelashes, patients most often present with persistent ocular discomfort that can be accompanied by redness, pain and a foreign-body sensation in the eye [10]. Additional findings may include ptosis and preseptal swelling of the lower eyelid. The main and most obvious sign is inward rotation of the eyelid, which can be noted without hesitation during physical examination. Recent trauma, eye surgery or infection in the case of cicatricial entropion may be reported. In rare cases, vision may be impaired through reduced visual acuity [1].
Entire Body System
- Pain
Before any local anaesthetic is injected into the skin of the eyelid, your anaesthetist will give you some medicine in the form of a sedative and pain killer so that the eyelid injection will not be painful. [eyeandear.org.au]
This can lead to severe eye pain, irritation, blurry vision, foreign body sensation and tearing. Repair involves rotation of the lashes and tightening of the eyelid. Before Surgery After Surgery [nabavimd.com]
It sounds quite painful – and it is! Hairs on the body – which is what eyelashes are – can be extremely strong and in fact can cause quite dangerous effects when growing into the body in terms of infection. [optometrist.com.au]
Eyelid - entropion; Eye pain - entropion; Tearing - entropion Entropion is the turning in of an edge of an eyelid. This causes the lashes to rub against the eye. It most often is seen on the lower eyelid. [mountsinai.org]
- Inflammation
Occasionally, the condition is due to scarring of the inner surface of the eyelid, caused by inflammation, chronic infections or trauma. [snec.com.sg]
Control of ocular inflammation before lid surgery was achieved in all cases. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
The eye inflammation causes sustained squeezing or squinting of the eyelids which causes the eyelid margin to roll inward. [klapperplasticsurgery.com]
- Surgical Procedure
However, the definitive way of repairing an entropion is with an outpatient surgical procedure that will return the anatomy to more appropriate and natural position. This procedure is performed with local anesthesia and light sedation. [moyeseye.com]
*As with any surgical procedure there are risks along with benefits. It is important to discuss your surgical procedure with your surgeon to fully understand the risks and benefits. [readocs.com]
Risks and Complications Bleeding and infection, which are potential risks with any surgical procedure, are very uncommon. [asoprs.org]
Mechanical entropion can occur as a rare complication of morbid obesity and may respond to surgical procedures that address its cause. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
- Asymptomatic
The entropion of the left lower lid was asymptomatic and did not require any surgery. Buphthalmos caused by congenital glaucoma may be associated with congenital lower lid entropion and the association may be causal or coincidental. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
Most cases of mideyelid entropion are asymptomatic and do not require treatment. [healio.com]
المعلومة Congenital entropion is usually asymptomatic and often resolves within the first few months of life المرجع Ophthalmology A Short Textbook Sat, 2009-11-07 18:25 qusei Login to post comments [hakeem-sy.com]
Usually asymptomatic and resolves with increasing age Management of entropion by optometrist Practitioners should recognise their limitations and where necessary seek further advice or refer the patient elsewhere GRADE* Level of evidence and strength [college-optometrists.org]
- Malaise
Symptoms Orchitis signs and symptoms usually develop suddenly and can include: Swelling in one or both testicles Pain ranging from mild to severe Fever Nausea and vomiting General feeling of unwellness (malaise) The terms "testicle pain" and "groin pain [mayoclinic.org]
Musculoskeletal
- Muscle Spasm
This can cause a muscle spasm that causes the eyelid to bend inward. Entropion Surgery Some ointments and artificial tears can help relieve the symptoms of entropion. [areaoftalmologica.com]
[…] noun Medicine A condition in which the eyelid is rolled inward against the eyeball, typically caused by muscle spasm or by inflammation or scarring of the conjunctiva (as in diseases such as trachoma), and resulting in irritation of the eye by the lashes [en.oxforddictionaries.com]
This can result in eyelid muscle spasms, called spastic entropion, and a rolling of the eyelid edge toward the surface of the eye and cornea. Congenital condition. [optometrists.org]
If the problem is caused by a spasm, a very small amount of botulinum toxin A can be injected into the muscles that close your child’s eyelids. This may weaken or stop the muscle spasms for several months. [summitmedicalgroup.com]
This irritation often results in eye-rubbing or squeezing the eyelids shut for relief, which can cause involuntary muscle spasms that make the eyelid roll inward against the eye. [allaboutvision.com]
- Muscle Cramp
Eyeball is immersed and when associated with muscle cramps it promotes the creation of spastic entropion. Treatment: removal of excess less tense skin. [optometry-today.com]
- Decrease in Height
Additionally, a decreased vertical height of the tarsus has been postulated to be a causal factor in the development of involutional entropion (4). [webeye.ophth.uiowa.edu]
Eyes
- Excessive Tearing
When someone experiences entropion, the eyelid skin and eyelashes rub against the eye, leading to excessive tearing, mucous discharge as well as crusting of the eyelid and a general uncomfortable feeling that something is in the eye. [willseye.org]
This rubbing creates irritation, discomfort, redness, and sensitivity to sunlight, and it may lead to excessive tearing. If left untreated, an entropion may lead to damage to or infection of the eye with the potential for vision loss. [moyeseye.com]
This rubbing can lead to excessive tearing, crusting of the eyelid, mucous discharge, a feeling that something is in the eye, irritation of the cornea, and impaired vision. [eyecaretrust.org.uk]
This rubbing can lead to excessive tearing, crusting of the eyelid, mucous discharge, irritation of the cornea, impaired vision, and a feeling that something is in the eye. [nei.nih.gov]
- Eye Irritation
This rubbing can lead to excessive tearing, crusting of the eyelid, mucous discharge, a feeling that something is in the eye, irritation of the cornea, and impaired vision. [eyecaretrust.org.uk]
Irritation and watering were detected in all patients preoperatively, whereas corneal opacity and erosion were detected in 10 patients and epithelial erosion was detected in one patient. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
This gesture can cause a spasm in the eyelid muscles and trigger a spastic entropion, as well as irritating stimuli of the eye surface. [miranza.es]
The skin and eyelashes of the lower eyelid rub against the cornea (front part of the eye) and conjuctiva (membrane lining of the eye) and can cause excessive tearing, eye irritation, eyelid crusting, mucous discharge and possibly impaired vision. [craigbergermd.com]
- Photophobia
METHODS: Twenty-one patients complained of discomfort around the eye, and they also suffered from foreign body sensation, ocular pain, epiphora, and photophobia. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
Clinical features PRESENTATION : • Foreign body sensation • Irritation • Lacrimation • photophobia 9. [slideshare.net]
On the other hand, constant rubbing of the eyelashes with the eye surface can cause you to experience discomfort, pain, redness, eye irritation, photophobia and even corneal ulcers (link), which, in severe cases, can be complicated by eye perforation. [miranza.es]
- Blepharitis
Posterior blepharitis Oil globules over meibomian gland orifices Oily and foamy tear film 1. Meibomian gland dysfunction 18. Posterior blepharitis 19. Posterior blepharitis Complications treatment *lid hyg. *Tear subst. [slideshare.net]
Seventeen patients (68%) had blepharitis. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
Blepharitis Eyelid: blepharitis. Corneal opacity. Neovascularization of the cornea. Keratitis Eye: keratitis - overview. Conjunctivitis Eye: conjunctivitis. Acute presentation Blepharospasm. Anorexia secondary to pain. [vetstream.com]
- Conjunctival Injection
The two cases that will be reviewed here had persistent foreign body sensation, conjunctival injection and corneal epithelial erosion not alleviated by use of topical emollients or repeat epilation. [healio.com]
Signs of ocular irritation are frequently seen on examination, including conjunctival injection, papillary conjunctival reaction, and linear or punctate epithelial erosions with frank corneal epitheliopathy and breakdown manifesting in severe cases. [webeye.ophth.uiowa.edu]
ABSTRACT: Ocular foreign-body sensation and conjunctival injection are two very common patient presentations. One possible cause of these symptoms is entropion, or an inward turning of the eyelid margin. [consultant360.com]
Psychiatrical
- Distractibility
Patients presenting with involutional entropion in the absence of lateral canthal tendon laxity (lateral canthus could be distracted 1 cm or more medially) underwent a modified full-thickness eyelid shortening combined with retractor plication. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
Avoid anything that may distract you or the patient. Ensure good lighting. Always explain to the patient what you are going to do. Figure 1. & Figure 2. [cehjournal.org]
Lower Eyelid Distraction Test: New Insights on the Reference Value. [college-optometrists.org]
Neurologic
- Irritability
The eyelid then protects the eye properly, and irritation and other symptoms subside. Eyelid surgery to repair entropion is usually performed on an outpatient basis. [epso.ca]
If there is irritation from the lashes, these may be removed and a contact lens worn. [gpnotebook.co.uk]
This causes the eyelashes to rub against the eye and leads to severe irritation, tearing, redness and sometimes decreased vision and scarring of the cornea. [downstate.edu]
This rubbing creates irritation, discomfort, redness, and sensitivity to sunlight, and it may lead to excessive tearing. If left untreated, an entropion may lead to damage to or infection of the eye with the potential for vision loss. [moyeseye.com]
The friction generated by the eyelid inwards is very annoying and usually causes chronic irritation, something very delicate. [areaoftalmologica.com]
Workup
The most important part of the diagnostic workup is a careful and thorough physical examination. Inward rotation of the eyelid should be observed in all patients, especially in the elderly. To support these findings, several tests may be performed. The snap-back test includes traction of the eyelid downward by the physician's hand, after which the eyelid should return to its normal position without the patient blinking. However, patients with entropion will have to blink in order to return the eyelid to its normal position. Additionally, the eyelid laxity test comprises forward pulling of the eyelid and subsequent eyelid dislocation if involution entropion is present [10]. Finally, impaired lower eyelid movement during downward gaze can support the diagnosis [10].
Treatment
Surgery is recommended for all patients, and numerous approaches have been described in literature. Repositioning of the anterior lamella, lateral horn-lysis, CO2 laser resurfacing and use of botulinum toxin, while the use of mucosal grafts has also been utilized [5] [6] [11]. Blepharotomy and rotational sutures also been mentioned as potential approaches, but regardless of the modality, the goal of treatment is to restore the eyelid to its normal position and to abolish corneal irritation by eyelashes [11]. Treatment somewhat depends on the underlying pathogenic mechanism. Anterior lamella reposition, rotational sutures, blepharotomy and lateral horn-lysis are mentioned as strategies for cicatricial entropion management, as is mucosal grafting [15], while lateral wedge resection and laser resurfacing through the use of CO2 are surgical approaches for involutional forms [5] [7].
Prognosis
With successful surgery, entropion has a very good prognosis and minimal recurrence rates are observed. However, if it is left untreated, it may lead to numerous complications, including corneal irritation and ulceration, keratitis, epiphora and even vision loss [4] [7]. For these reasons, an early diagnosis is detrimental in managing this condition.
Etiology
Depending on the subtype, entropion arises under different circumstances. Congential entropion can develop as a consequence of epiblepharon, an abnormal skin folding of either upper or lower eyelid with inversion of cilia, or due to eyelid deformities accompanied by trichiasis [8]. Involutional entropion, on the other hand, stems from degenerative changes in eyelid structures as a result of aging. Various pathological changes have been observed, including reduction and degeneration of collagen and elastic fibers [9], leading to loss of lid support and disinsertion of lower lid retractors, with all changes being age-related [1]. The cause of acute spastic entropion is either ocular surgery or inflammation that causes eyelid edema, leading to extensive contraction of the orbital muscle and consequent inward eyelid rotation [10]. Cicatricial entropion is thought to be a result of chronic irritation of the palpebral conjuctiva [11].
Epidemiology
Studies that were conducted on over 20,000 individuals established a 2.1% prevalence rate of involutional entropion, with a slight predilection toward female gender (1.9% vs 2.4%, respectively) [12]. Aging is the single most important risk factor for the development of involutional entropion, as the main cause is thought to be progressive degeneration of tissues surrounding the eyelid. Senile enophtalmos is also shown to be a risk factor [9]. Similar prevalence rates of true entropion were observed in Japan, but congenital forms were shown to be present in up to 20% of Japanese children less than 1 year old [8]. It is hypothesized that overgrowth of orbicularis muscle is the most important risk factor for congenital entropion, as its enlargement inverts the cillia toward the cornea [8].
Pathophysiology
The pathogenesis model somewhat differs across subtypes of entropion. Involutional form starts with degeneration of collagen and elastic fibers, which leads to disruption of normal structural integrity of eyelid structures. Some studies have shows involvement of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) that cause upregulation of enzymes that degrade elastic fibers [13]. In addition, various anatomical abnormalities have been established, including thinning of lower lid retractors and canthal tendons, as well as shortened height of the tarsal plate [14], all creating favorable conditions for inward rotation of the eyelid. On the contrary, cicatricial entropion, which develops as a result of conjuctival scarring, is initiated by some form of trauma or inflammation that leads to eyelid rotation. The underlying mechanism of congenital entropion development, although known to be a result of excessive orbicularis muscle growth, remains unclear.
Prevention
In the case of entropion, current preventive strategies do not exist and the focus remains on making the diagnosis early on, before the onset of complications. Patients who often experience ocular discomfort and a foreign-body sense should report to their physician for a physical examination that will surely reveal an inverted eyelid.
Summary
Entropion denotes an inward rotation of the eyelid which leads to significant irritation to the cornea and predisposes individuals to numerous complications [1]. It is classified into four distinct forms. Involutional, congenital, acute spastic and cicatricial types are described in literature and involutional is by far the most common. In involutional entropion, an entity exclusively seen in older adults, degenerative changes due to aging are thought to be the cause of anatomical dysfunction [1]. Degeneration of collagen fibers, elastosis of tarsal plates and canthal tendos, structures that provide functional stability of the lower eyelid, as well as disinsertion of lower lid retractors are some of the most common pathological changes encountered in these patients [1] [2]. Enophtalmos, in addition to aging, is also known to be a risk factor [3]. Certain studies estimated an overall prevalence rate of 2.1% in the general population and a slight predilection toward female gender (1.9% vs 2.4%) was observed, but in general, sexes are equally affected. Congenital entropion usually resolves spontaneously within the first 12 months, but other types usually present with progressive eye irritation. Cicatricial forms are typically preceded by either trauma, eye surgery or chronic inflammatory states. Although entropion seems like a benign condition, the eyelashes of the inverted eyelid can cause significant damage to the ocular structures, leading to substantial morbidity that may cause keratitis, corneal abrasion, and loss of vision, which is why it must be diagnosed and treated as soon as possible [4]. Cicatricial entropion often leads to conjuctival scarring, as chronic inflammation is usually present [1]. The diagnosis can be made during physical examination, when inward rotation of the lower eyelid is observed in virtually all cases, while additional tests such as a snap-back probe are useful in solidifying the diagnosis. Surgery is the mainstay of therapy and various approaches exist. Lateral wedge resection, carbon dioxide (CO2) laser resurfacing, reposition of the lamella and a few other techniques are used, depending on the type of entropion and surgeon experience [5] [6] [7]. Successful surgical treatment leads to excellent outcomes and very low recurrence rates.
Patient Information
Entropion is a term that describes inward rotation of either the upper, but more commonly the lower eyelid and may cause significant discomfort. The end-result is irritation of the cornea by the eyelashes. There are four main subtypes: congenital, involutional, acute spastic and cicatricial. Congenital entropion develops in the first year of life and is thought to be a result of overgrowth of the muscle that surrounds the eye socket, orbicularis oculi. It is established that congenital forms are present in up to 20% of Japanese children, but spontaneous resolution occurs in the vast majority. Involutional entropion is most commonly encountered in medical practice and in this type, eyelid rotation is caused by degenerative changes of collagen and elastic fibers due to aging. Studies have estimated that approximately 2% of the elderly have involutional entropion and these numbers tend to rise with increasing age. Acute spastic entropion is thought to occur as a result of trauma, infection, or prior eye surgery that disrupted normal anatomical architecture of the eyelids, while cicatricial entropion stems from chronic conjuctival changes that lead to scarring. In any case, the main complaint of patients is ocular discomfort and a persistent foreign-body sense. In severe cases, keratitis, excessive tearing, corneal erosions and ulcerations and even vision disturbances may occur, which is why it is important to treat this condition early on. The diagnosis can be made clinically, through a close physical examination that will reveal inward eyelid rotation, while additional tests that evaluate eyelid mobility and stability can be used to support the diagnosis. Treatment almost always requires a surgical approach and many techniques are used, depending on the subtype. Although this condition may seem benign, prolonged irritation of the cornea and other ocular structures may lead to severe morbidity, making early recognition and treatment vital in managing these patients.
References
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