Hello, this is Goyang Shinsegae Eye Clinic, an ophthalmology clinic in Goyang.
When your eyes sting, feel gritty, or water frequently, it is easy to assume that fatigue or dryness is the cause.
However, if your eyelashes repeatedly rub against your eyes, the direction and structure of the eyelids may also need to be examined.
One possible cause is entropion, a condition in which the eyelid turns inward.
In this article, we will explain what entropion is, the symptoms it may cause, and how it can be treated.
What Is Entropion?
Entropion is a condition in which the edge of the eyelid turns inward from its normal position.
When the eyelid turns inward, the eyelashes may also point toward the eye and rub against the cornea and conjunctiva. This can cause stinging, a foreign-body sensation, excessive tearing, and redness.
In contrast, ectropion refers to a condition in which the eyelid turns outward. Although the names sound similar, the two conditions develop differently and require different approaches.
For this reason, it is important to examine not only the area causing discomfort but also the position of the eyelid and the condition of the ocular surface.
Symptoms That May Occur When Eyelashes Rub Against the Eye
Repeated friction against the surface of the eye may cause several symptoms, including:
✔ More frequent tearing than usual
✔ A gritty or sandy sensation
✔ Recurrent eye discharge or redness
✔ Stinging or burning
✔ Increased sensitivity to bright light
✔ Frequent eye rubbing
If these symptoms continue or recur, visiting an ophthalmology clinic in Goyang may help identify the underlying cause.
What Causes Entropion?
The cause of entropion can vary depending on a person’s age and the structures surrounding the eye.
In adults and older individuals, the tissues and muscles that support the eyelid may loosen with age, causing the eyelid to turn inward.
Scarring caused by previous trauma or inflammation may also affect the position of the eyelid.
In children, structural characteristics around the eye may cause the lashes to point inward. It may also be necessary to distinguish entropion from similar conditions such as epiblepharon.
Rather than making a judgment based on age alone, the direction of the eyelid and the degree of corneal irritation should be evaluated together.
What Can Happen If Entropion Is Left Untreated?
Mild irritation may occur temporarily. However, persistent rubbing of the eyelashes against the eye requires attention.
Repeated friction can create small injuries on the corneal surface and may lead to inflammation or keratitis. If severe damage continues for an extended period, complications such as corneal opacity may develop and affect vision.
Medical evaluation should not be delayed if you experience severe pain, redness, sensitivity to light, or a sudden change in vision.
When looking for an ophthalmology clinic in Ilsan, it is important to choose a medical facility that can evaluate not only the shape and position of the eyelid but also whether the cornea has been damaged.
How Is Entropion Treated?
Treatment depends on the underlying cause, the patient’s age, the severity of the eyelid deformity, and whether the cornea is being irritated.
| Patient or condition | Areas to evaluate |
| Children | Eyelid structure and degree of corneal irritation |
| Adults | Underlying cause and severity of the deformity |
| Older adults | Tissue laxity and eyelid position |
| Severe irritation | Corneal damage and associated eye conditions |
In children, the condition may be monitored as they grow, depending on its severity. If persistent corneal irritation is present, corrective treatment may be considered.
For adults and older individuals, treatment aimed at restoring the eyelid to its proper position may be considered according to the cause.
Rather than deciding on a particular treatment in advance, it is important to undergo an examination and determine the appropriate approach based on the current condition.
- Can I Solve the Problem by Plucking the Eyelashes Myself?
Removing an eyelash that is rubbing against the eye may provide temporary relief.
However, if the eyelid itself is turned inward, the same discomfort is likely to return when the lash grows back.
Using tweezers close to the eye may also cause injury. If the problem continues, it is safer to visit an ophthalmology clinic in Ilsan for an evaluation rather than repeatedly removing the lashes at home.
Q&A: Frequently Asked Questions About Entropion
Q. Does stinging in the eye always mean entropion?
No. Similar symptoms can be caused by various conditions, including dry eye and conjunctivitis. A proper examination is needed to identify the cause.
Q. Does entropion always require surgery?
Not necessarily. Depending on the patient’s age, the cause, the degree of eyelid turning, and the condition of the cornea, the condition may be monitored or an appropriate corrective treatment may be considered.
Q. When should I visit an ophthalmologist?
An evaluation is recommended if eyelash irritation is accompanied by persistent tearing, redness, pain, a foreign-body sensation, or changes in vision. When choosing an ophthalmology clinic in Goyang, check whether both the eyelid position and the condition of the cornea can be evaluated.
Entropion is not merely a cosmetic concern involving the shape of the eyelid. Continuous friction can also affect the surface of the eye.
Rather than repeatedly removing the irritating lashes for temporary relief, it is important to examine both the eyelid position and the condition of the cornea.
Thank you.
