Dr. Abbott offers comprehensive repair of eyelid malpositions, both entropion and ectropion conditions. She is dedicated to providing the highest quality care and ensures you receive a positive outcome for your eyelid malpositions.
Repair of Eyelid Malpositions
What is an Eyelid Malposition?
An eyelid malposition is a condition where the eyelids become misaligned. The two main types of eyelid malposition are ectropion and entropion. Ectropion is when the eyelid turns outward, and entropion is the opposite when the eyelid turns inward. An eyelid malposition can cause eye redness, irritation, and/or discomfort. In some cases, eyelid malposition can also lead to vision changes or serious eye problems, so you must consult an ophthalmologist.
Ectropion Condition
Ectropion is when the upper or lower eyelid turns outward, though it’s more common in the lower eyelids. It can cause significant discomfort and irritation and lead to a feeling of dryness in the eye. Ectropion is generally caused by laxity of the eyelid muscles or from scars from previous surgery, infection, or injury.
Entropion Condition
Entropion is a condition in which the eyelid is abnormally turned inwards, causing eyelashes or skin to rub against the eyeball. Symptoms of entropion include a watery or itchy eye, redness, sensitivity to light, blurry vision, pain, and tenderness. The most common cause of entropion is aging, but it can also be caused by eye injury or some skin conditions.
Potential Causes of Eyelid Malpositions:
- Age-Related Changes: Our skin and muscles naturally lose elasticity due to collagen and elastin breakdown. The skin and muscles lose the ability to hold the eyelids properly, resulting in malpositions.
- Medical Conditions: Certain medical conditions can cause malpositions of the eyelids. These include Graves’ disease, Bell’s palsy, scarring of the skin around the eyes, infections, or trauma to the eyelids.
- Injury or Trauma: Trauma to the eyelids can cause scarring, which causes the eyelids to become stuck in an abnormal position. Injuries can also damage the muscles that control the movement of the eyelid, leading to ectropion or entropion.
- Eyelid Growths: Cysts, tumors, and other eyelid growths can weaken or damage the eyelid muscles and lead to abnormal positioning. Eyelid growth can also lead to inflammation, further worsening the condition.
The Eyelid Malposition Repair
Dr. Abbott performs eyelid malposition repair at her accredited surgical facility under local anesthesia, ensuring a safe and comfortable experience. Depending on whether you need an ectropion repair or entropion repair, she makes strategic incisions along the natural creases of your upper eyelids or lower eyelids. She removes excess tissues and repairs the slackened eyelid muscles to restore optimal eyelid positioning. In some cases, if the problem is caused by scar tissues, skin grafts may be necessary. The procedure concludes within 30 minutes.
Recovery After Eyelid Malposition Repair
Eyelid malposition repair is a relatively simple procedure. Side effects of the surgery may include swelling and bruising around the eyes and light sensitivity, but these should improve within a few days. It’s a good idea to plan for at least a week of rest and relaxation, but strenuous activities should be avoided for at least 2 to 4 weeks. During this period, it’s important to follow your surgeon’s aftercare instructions to ensure optimal recovery.
Contact Dr. Abbott
Dr. Meredith Abbott is a Board-Certified Ophthalmologist and Fellowship-Trained Oculofacial Plastic Surgeon with thousands of successful eyelid surgeries under her belt. She curates a personalized surgical plan after a thorough evaluation, ensuring you feel safe and supported throughout the process. If you have the symptoms of eyelid malposition, please schedule a consultation to explore your options.
