Entropion/Ectropion
Entropion
Entropion (interning of an eyelid) is caused by age-related tissue relaxation, post infectious or posttraumatic change, or blepharospasm. Eyelashes rub against the eyeball and may lead to corneal ulceration and scarring. Symptoms can include foreign body sensation, tearing, and redness of the eye. Definitive treatment is surgery.
Ectropion
Ectropion (outturning of the lower eyelid) is caused by age-related tissue relaxation, cranial nerve VII palsy, and posttraumatic or postsurgical changes. Symptoms are tearing (due to poor drainage of tears through the nasolacrimal system, which may no longer contact the eyeball) and symptoms of dry eyes with superficial keratitis possibly due to inadequate blinking. Symptomatic treatment can include tear supplements and, at night, ocular lubricants; definitive treatment is surgery.