Ectropion & Entropion Treatment
in Bellevue, WA

What Is Ectropion?

Ectropion | Kristin Tarbet, MD | Bellevue WA

Ectropion is an eye condition which causes the eyelid to turn out or sag, away from your eye, so that the inner surface is exposed. This typically affects the lower eyelid and prevents tears from draining correctly. As a result, irritation and other symptoms occur.

Older adults are more likely to experience ectropion as a result of the aging process. The muscles, tendons and connective tissue near and around the eye progressively weaken. Additionally, patients that have experienced facial trauma have an increased risk of developing ectropion.


Causes Of Ectropion

Aging is not the only cause of ectropion. From hereditary conditions to previous surgical complications, the causes of developing ectropion can be from:

  • Certain eye drop medications
  • Congenital disorder at birth
  • Cosmetic laser-skin resurfacing
  • Excessive sun exposure
  • Eyelid radiation on a cancerous growth
  • Facial paralysis
  • Malignant or benign eyelid growths
  • Previous eyelid surgery
  • Rapid weight loss
  • Scar tissue from burns

Ectropion Eye Symptoms

Ectropion causes tears to not drain into the puncta or small openings on the inner part of the lid. As a result, the poor drainage can lead to a number of symptoms. Patients should monitor their symptoms and report to Dr. Tarbet if they worsen.

  • Dryness
  • Inflammation
  • Redness
  • Outward turned eyelid
  • Light sensitivity
  • Excessive tearing
  • Light sensitivity
  • Poor vision

Patient Testimonial

“Dr. Tarbet is a highly skilled, kind and compassionate surgeon with a woman’s eye for what looks natural. She was recommended to me by my glaucoma doc when I first saw her over 10 years ago for damage to my eye lid from eye disease (outcome is still awesome), I’ve been a patient ever since for various treatments and procedures.” -Cat P.


Ectropion Surgery

There are non-surgical options that temporarily treat ectopion including artificial tears. These treatments will relieve dryness and keep the cornea lubricated. However, surgery is the long-term solution to this condition. After Dr. Tarbet examines the eyelids and confirms a diagnosis of ectropion, patients can schedule this brief procedure. Surgery is performed as an outpatient surgery with local anesthesia.

During surgery, Dr. Tarbet can take several steps depending on the patient including grafting skin, stretching scar tissue, and removing part of the eyelid. Most effectively, surgery involves tightening the muscles that hold the eyelid in place. After surgery, results are typically immediate. Patients will need to wear an eye patch for one day and can expect only slight bruising and swelling.


Before And After Ectropion Surgery


What Is Entropion?

Entropion | Kristin Tarbet, MD | Bellevue WA

Entropion is an eye condition that causes the lower eyelid to turn inward, resulting in discomfort from the eyelashes directing towards the eye. The skin of the eyelid and the eyelashes may rub against the cornea, and the conjunctiva, the white mucous membrane that protects the surface of the eye.

When the eyelid skin and lashes rub against the eye it can result in excess tearing, crusting of the eyelid, mucous discharge, foreign body sensation, irritation of the cornea and impaired vision from keratitis.


Causes Of Entropion

Most commonly entropion is due to relaxation of the tissue in the eyelid as a result of aging. It can be caused occasionally by:

  • Congenital defect
  • Eye Surgery
  • Inflammatory diseases
  • Injury
  • Muscle weakness
  • Scarring of eyelid inner surface
  • Skin disease

Entropion Symptoms

Symptoms of entropion range from uncomfortable to even dangerous, especially with reduce vision. These symptoms most commonly are:

  • Discharge from the eye
  • Dry eyes
  • Excessive tearing
  • Irritation
  • Pain
  • Redness
  • Reduced vision
  • Sensitivity to light

Entropion Surgery

There are non-surgical treatment options for temporary relief of entropion symptoms. This can include taping the eyelid outwards, placing stitches, lubricant drops, or temporarily paralyzing the corresponding muscles with a tiny injection of Botox. In the long term, Dr. Tarbet recommends surgery to prevent rubbing damage of the eyelid skin and lashes on the front of the eye as well as other complications.

Surgery is usually done under local anesthesia, on an outpatient basis. Dr. Tarbet will tighten the eyelid and its attachments, which can be done with some simple lower eyelid sutures. Additionally, she can perform eyelid tightening and stabilization with a lateral tarsal strip. Surgery allows the complete relief of symptoms, reduces the risk of eye infections, and restores the normal position and appearance of the eyelid.


Entropion Surgery Recovery

After surgery, patients will need to wear an eyepatch for about 24 hours and apply antibiotic drops or ointment for one to three weeks. Once the eyelid has healed, the eye should feel comfortable and be in a normal position. Additionally, there will no longer be any risk of corneal scarring, infection or loss of vision. Patients may experience bruising and swelling temporarily.


Schedule A Consultation

If you are experiencing any ectropion or entropion symptoms call our Bellevue, WA office at 425-455-2131 to schedule a consultation with Kristin J. Tarbet, MD.

Call our offices at 425-455-2131 or use our online contact form to schedule your appointment today!

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