Entropion refers to a condition in which the eyelid turns inwards, which means the eyelashes turn upwards and rub against the eye, causing redness, irritation, and abrasions on the cornea. Without treatment, this continuous abrasion can cause eye infections and scarring of the eyeball.
Ectropion, on the other hand, involves the lower eyelid rolling outwards and downwards. A common condition among the elderly, patients with ectropion have sagging lower eyelids that leave the eyeball dry and exposed.
Caused by a lack of tone of the delicate muscles that hold the lid taut against the eye, it can be corrected by eyelid surgery performed by an ophthalmologist.
The condition can occur in one or both eyes, but treatment involves a relatively simple surgical operation.