Entropion and Ectropion Repair

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Surgical procedure

IMPORTANT INFORMATION This surgical fact sheet is for general information about this procedure only. It is not intended to be used as medical advice or to replace advice that your relevant healthcare professional would give you. If you have a particular medical problem, please consult a healthcare professional. If your injury or illness is critical or life threatening, call triple zero (000). To speak to a registered nurse, call healthdirect on 1800 022 222.

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Document code: OP07lite Expires: end of December 2019 This document will give you information Are there any alternatives to surgery? about entropion and ectropion repair. If Artificial tears and ointments can be used you have any questions, you should ask to protect the surface of your eye. Your your GP or other relevant health surgeon may recommend a special soft professional. contact lens for you to wear. If you have entropion, your surgeon may What is entropion and ectropion? recommend using tape to prevent your Entropion is where your eyelid turns in eyelashes from rubbing against your eye, and causes your eyelashes to rub injecting Botox into the muscle that turns against the cornea. Ectropion is where your eyelid inwards, or using stiches to your eyelid turns out and does not touch prevent your eyelid from turning in. your eye (see figure 1). What does the operation involve? a The operation is usually performed under a local anaesthetic. The operation usually takes 30 minutes to an hour, depending on whether the operation involves both eyes. Your surgeon may need to remove a small section of your eyelid where the tissues have slackened most. If the b problem is caused by tight skin or scar tissue, your surgeon may need to use a skin graft. What complications can happen? 1General complications Pain Figure 1 Bleeding Infection of the surgical site (wound) a Entropion - eyelid turned in b Ectropion - eyelid turned out 2Specific complications How does entropion or ectropion Cornea abrasion happen? Lid notch The problem is usually caused by ageing. Cosmetic problems Sometimes it is caused by scar tissue How soon will I recover? pulling your eyelid out of position. Only the lower eyelid is usually affected. You should be able to go home after a few hours. What are the benefits of surgery? Do not get your eyelid wet, do strenuous Your eyelid should be in a better position exercise or bend down until the stitches and your symptoms should improve. are removed. Do not wear eye make-up or drink alcohol for a few weeks, and keep your face out of the sun.

Copyright © 2018 OP07lite Page 1 of 2 Expires end of December 2019 Regular exercise should help you to return to normal activities as soon as possible. Before you start exercising, ask the healthcare team or your GP for advice. The results of an entropion or ectropion repair last for a long time. However, as you get older your skin and soft tissues of your eyelids will continue to slacken and the problem may come back. Summary An entropion or ectropion repair is an operation to correct an eyelid that turns in or turns out. The operation should improve symptoms caused by entropion or ectropion.

This document is intended for information purposes only and should not replace advice that your relevant health professional would give you.