Ectropion and Entropion Eyelid Correction in Philadelphia

Your eyelids are one of the most important lines of defense your eyes have against foreign contaminants.

When they fail to work properly, it can compromise your ocular health. Ectropion and entropion, or the involuntary turning-out or turning-in of the eyelids, can lead to more serious issues if they are not corrected with reconstructive facial surgery. At the Morgenstern Center, oculo-facial surgeon Dr. Ken Morgenstern strives to deliver the best eyelid correction Philadelphia has to offer.

There are four different subtypes of ectropion, each with its own cause:

• Mechanical ectropion is caused by a tumor or other mass under the eyelid, warping its shape.
• Paralytic ectropion is caused by weakening of the muscles that support the eyelid.
• Involutional ectropion is caused by the skin of the eyelid being too loose.
• Cicatricial ectropion is caused by shortening of the muscles around the eye.

Ectropion is when your eyelid "turns out," exposing the inside of the eyelid to the open air. This happens most frequently with the lower eyelid. It can lead to redness, swelling, and near-constant irritation around the eye. While eyedrops or artificial tears can provide temporary relief, a surgical procedure is necessary to permanently correct the condition.

The surgical procedure changes depending on what is causing your ectropion. During the eyelid correction Philadelphia surgeons at the Morgenstern Center may need to remove a tumor, tighten the skin of the eyelid, or reattach your eyelid to the underlying muscle.