4 Things You Need To Know About Entropion
No one likes the feeling of having an eyelash stuck in their eye, but fortunately, it doesn't usually last long. For some people, that feeling is a daily occurrence. Some people's eyelids turn inwards and push their eyelashes into their eyes; this condition is called entropion. Here are four things you need to know about it.
What are the signs of entropion?
Entropion leads to many eye symptoms. You may feel like you have something stuck in your eye, and your eyes may be red. Watery eyes and blurred vision can also be signs of entropion. You may also be able to see your eyelashes turning inwards when you examine your eye in the mirror.
Why does entropion occur?
There are a few different things that can cause entropion. Sometimes, it's a congenital condition, meaning that you're born with it. This is common in Asian people, but it tends to go away with age. Entropion can also be caused by scarring on the surface of your eye; scars can form as a result of injuries like chemical burns, and the scar tissue causes your eyelid to turn inwards. Finally, it can also be caused by a loss of elasticity in the eyelid.
Can entropion damage your vision?
It's possible for entropion to damage your vision. This can happen when your eyelashes rub against your cornea, the clear tissue that covers your pupil and iris, and causes scratches or abrasions. These wounds may leave scars when they heal, and when you have scar tissue on your cornea, less light is able to enter your eye. This can lead to decreased or distorted vision.
Can optometrists treat it?
Optometrists can offer both non-surgical and surgical treatments for entropion. If you don't want to have surgery, or aren't a good candidate for it, you may be told to use lubricating eye drops. The eye drops will moisten the surface of your eye and help protect your cornea from getting scratched by your eyelashes. Your optometrist may also use tape to hold your eyelid in its proper place.
Surgery is also possible. You will be referred to an ophthalmologist, a surgeon that specializes in eye surgery, for this procedure. During surgery, the ophthalmologist will re-position your eyelid. To do this, he or she may tighten the muscles within your eyelid or use skin grafts to re-position your eyelid. No matter what technique your surgeon uses, the procedure will be done with a local anesthetic, so you'll be awake and alert, but you won't feel any pain.
Entropion is a very uncomfortable condition, but fortunately, it's treatable. If you think you have entropion, make sure to see your optometrist as soon as possible to protect your vision. Contact a center like Blink Eyewear to learn more.
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