What Causes Entropion?

Entropion is a somewhat rare condition that causes the eyelid to turn inwards. When this occurs, the eyelashes and some of the eyelid skin will rub against the surface of the eye, which can cause a variety of issues, such as discomfort and irritation. Cases of entropion can differ in severity. For instance, it's possible the eyelid will only turn inwards whenever an individual squeezes their eyes shut or blink hard. It's also possible entropion will occur on a constant basis, which means the eyelid will always be turned inwards. The various solutions that can provide patients with relief from the complications of entropion include lubricating ointments and artificial tears. If patients happen to leave entropion untreated, the transparent covering of the eye known as the cornea can be damaged. Patients might also suffer from vision loss and eye infections. By understanding more about the causes of entropion, individuals may be able to prevent the issue from occurring in the first place.

Trachoma

While trachoma, a type of bacterial infection that affects the eyes, is somewhat rare in developed nations, millions of individuals around the world suffer from it. This condition is among the leading causes of blindness across the world, which is why entropion may be the less severe symptom patients suffer from if affected by trachoma. This condition is actually contagious through contact with the other individual's eyelids, eyes, or nasal secretions. The initial symptoms of trachoma include slight irritation and itching along eyes and eyelids. Once the infection begins to worsen in severity, patients may experience entropion as well as issues where the eyelids become swollen. Early treatment can stave off most health complications. Younger children are more susceptible to trachoma than other age groups, which is something to keep in mind. There are five separate stages of development for trachoma, which extend from follicular inflammation to corneal clouding. The symptoms patients experience will be most severe in the upper eyelid. If the condition isn't treated early enough, it's possible patients will suffer from blindness.

Learn more about the causes of entropion now.

Skin Scarring

The presence of skin scarring can also be a contributing factor to whether or not individuals develop entropion. If scarring is located in a certain area around the eye, it's possible it can cause the eyelid to curve inwards. The skin scarring individuals suffer from can be the result of everything from surgery and trauma to chemical burns and radiation that have affected the face. When the skin becomes injured, the body will automatically start repairing the damage. If the injury is too deep, it's possible the healing process won't be as simple and straightforward as some might like. In order to repair the type of damage that extends lower than the first layer of skin, the body will create a thicker layer of skin on the top, which becomes a scar. Smaller scars usually don't create many issues and can even blend into the surrounding skin depending on where they are located. However, a poor location for a scar can create a wide range of appearance or health issues. If an individual has been injured around their eye, the healing of this injury may result in a scar that pulls on the eyelid and causes it to curve inwards. A new scar will appear pinkish or reddish at first, but will eventually blend well into the individual's natural skin color.

Continue reading to reveal more causes of entropion now.