What are the treatment options for ectropion?

Doctor's Answers 2

If your eyelashes are rubbing your cornea, you probably have an entropion rather than an ectropion.

There are several types of entropion, the most common of which is age related 'involutional' entropion. In these cases, either simple eyelid stitches are done which rotate the eyelashes outwards, or repair of the inferior eyelid muscles ('retractors') +/- eyelid tightening surgery is performed.

But there are other types of entropions or conditions such as epiblepharon which can also cause the eyelashes to turn inwards.

I would suggest that you see an eye doctor to get a definitive diagnosis first, and then have a discussion about what the actual problem is and the relevant treatment options.

It is first important to identify the cause of the ectropion. An eye specialist who specialises in the field of eyelids and oculoplastics will be able to diagnose the cause and suggest the appropriate treatment for you. Some of the more common treatment options include epilation, cryotherapy or eyelid surgery, depending on the severity and reason of the ectropion.

Similar Questions

When is collagen cross linking for LASIK required, as opposed to optional?

Glad to hear that you are a suitable candidate for LASIK. Collagen cross-linking (CXL) has been a treatment for keratoconus for many years with proven benefits in stabilising a patient’s cornea and preventing them from suffering the effects of progressive increase in astigmatism and myopia resulting in the need to wear rigid contact lens. With the increasing popularity of corneal laser vision correction (LVC) over the last 20 to 30 years, refractive surgeons have been constantly fine-tuning their ability to distinguish between patients who may and may not be suitable for LVC.

Does corneal collagen cross linking with LASIK or ReLEx® SMILE® have benefits?

Corneal collagen crosslinking with LASIK or SMILE is relatively new, and the true beneficial effects, if any, may not be quantifiable or known for some years yet. In essence, after the cornea has been reshaped (through LASIK or SMILE), vitamin B2(riboflavin) is applied to soak the cornea, and then ultraviolet light is shone on the soaked cornea. The entire crosslinking process adds about 3 minutes to the entire refractive procedure. We do know that after crosslinking, the cornea becomes stiffer (stronger in a way). There is no other extra effect known to be caused by the crosslinking.

Photo of Human

Answered By

Human

Ask any health question for free

I’m not so sure about a procedure...

Ask Icon Ask a Question

Join Human

Sign up now for a free Human account to get answers from specialists in Singapore.

Sign Up

Get The Pill

Be healthier with our Bite-sized health news straight in your inbox