Eyelids that lose their “tone” due to aging or disease, can turn inward (entropion) or outward (ectropion).

Entropion lid4

Entropion

If the lid turns inwards, the eyelashes may rub on the cornea (the clear transparent crystal over the colored part of the eye) which can be extraordinarily painful. It can lead to secondary infection and even a loss of vision.

Ectropion lid3

Ectropion

If the lid turns outwards, the lower punctum, or opening into the tear drainage system, will be pulled out of the tear lake and the tears will spill out of the eye. The lack of proper tear rainage will cause the eye to be watery and the vision blurred. It can also lead to infection.

These problems are repaired in our state of the art surgery center. The procedure take 20-30 minutes and are done under a local anesthetic. Afterwards, the eye is patched for a few hours and then antibiotic eye medications are used for several days. Stitches are removed during the next week. As entropion and ectropion surgery is medically necessary, these procedures will be covered by your insurance.