Infection and scarring inside the eyelid are other causes of entropion. Eyelid burns or skin disease may also cause ectropion. Ptosis may limit the field of vision and produce an uneven appearance. Surgery to correct ptosis is commonly recommended in the preschool years to make it easier for children to see and to improve appearance. If any fatty tissue is present, it may be removed at the same time. In the upper eyelid, this stretched skin may limit the field of vision, and may produce a feeling of heaviness and a tired appearance. Fortunately, such eyelid conditions are correctable by plastic surgery.
With surgery, the eyelid can be turned outward to its normal position, protecting the eye and improving these symptoms. Entropion occurs most commonly as a result of aging. Ectropion is the stretching of the lower eyelid with age, which causes the eyelid to droop downward and turn outward. It may worsen after other types of eye surgery or eyelid swelling. However, children with ptosis should be examined by an ophthalmologist because they can have other associated eye problems. Removal of the excess skin in either the upper or lower eyelids may improve appearance. Eyelid skin is the thinnest skin of the body, so it is more likely to stretch. They can cause eye discomfort, and even limit vision.
If entropion is not treated, an eye ulcer may form. Surgery may restore the normal position of the eyelid, improving these symptoms. Surgery corrects the problem by shortening the muscle that opens the eyelid. The type of surgery varies, depending upon how much the eyelids droop. A child with congenital ptosis will tilt his or her head backward in order to see, so it rarely leads to poor vision. The excess skin in the upper eyelids can be removed surgically to improve the field of vision and other symptoms. Over time, many people develop excess eyelid skin. Excess eyelid skin, droopy eyelids or eyelids that curl inward or outward are common problems.
When the eyelid turns inward, the eyelashes and skin rub against the eye, making it red, irritated and sensitive to light and wind. When the lid turns outward, this can cause dryness of the eyes, excessive tearing, redness of the eyes, and sensitivity to light and wind. Involutional ptosis develops with aging. Ptosis is a drooping upper eyelid that is apparent at birth (congenital) or develops with age (involutional). In the lower eyelid, "bags" form. Eyelid plastic surgery is usually performed by your ophthalmologist on an outpatient basis using local anesthesia.
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