Hello,
this is Goyang Shinsegae Eye Clinic.
The eyelids are not simply structures that determine the shape of the eyes. They also play an important role in protecting the eyeball from dust and foreign substances and in helping maintain an even tear film across the surface of the eye.
However, when the eyelids move away from their normal position and turn inward or outward, the cornea and conjunctiva may be repeatedly irritated.
Two representative conditions are entropion and ectropion.
1. What Are Entropion and Ectropion?
✅ Entropion
Entropion is a condition in which the edge of the eyelid turns inward toward the eyeball.
As the eyelid rolls inward, the eyelashes may continuously rub against the cornea or conjunctiva.
Repeated friction can damage the corneal epithelium.
If the irritation continues for a long period of time, inflammation may develop, and depending on the severity, vision may also be affected.
Because the eyelashes can irritate the cornea every time you blink, it is important not to regard the condition as a minor inconvenience and to identify the underlying cause.
✅ Ectropion
Ectropion refers to a condition in which the eyelid turns outward and is unable to adequately cover the eyeball.
When the eyelid moves away from its normal position, the conjunctiva remains exposed to the outside environment.
The tear film may also become unstable, making the surface of the eye more prone to dryness.
In addition, tears may not drain through their normal pathway and may instead overflow onto the cheek, causing epiphora, or excessive tearing.
The exposed conjunctiva may also develop chronic inflammation.
2. Common Causes
One of the most common causes is age-related degenerative change.
As we age, the ligaments and tendons that support the eyelids may become loose, and the function of the orbicularis oculi muscle may weaken.
As a result, the eyelids may have difficulty maintaining their normal position.
Other possible causes include:
✓ Congenital abnormalities of the eyelid structure
✓ Scarring caused by trauma or burns
✓ Scar contracture following surgery around the eyes
✓ Facial nerve paralysis
✓ Chronic conjunctivitis or skin disorders
✓ Anatomical abnormalities associated with family history
If you are considering an examination at an ophthalmology clinic in Won-dang because of related symptoms, it is important to evaluate not only age-related changes but also structural changes around the eyes and any relevant medical or surgical history.
3. What Symptoms Can Occur?
✅ Entropion
Because the eyelashes continuously irritate the cornea, entropion may cause a persistent foreign-body sensation.
You may also experience stinging or pain when blinking.
Excessive tearing and frequent redness may occur, and some patients may experience increased sensitivity to light.
Repeated corneal irritation can also make wearing contact lenses difficult and may cause ongoing discomfort in daily life.
✅ Ectropion
In ectropion, the eyelid turns outward, leaving the surface of the eye continuously exposed to the external environment.
This can worsen dry eye symptoms.
The conjunctiva may appear red and exposed, and in some cases, the eye may not close completely.
4. How Is It Treated?
1) Acutron Treatment
Acutron is a device that uses radiofrequency energy to deliver heat energy to targeted tissue.
A very fine electrode can be used to precisely approach the eyelash follicle.
This allows treatment of abnormal eyelash follicles that are irritating the cornea.
Because the procedure does not require an incision, the treatment time is relatively short.
The recovery period is also generally not prolonged, allowing patients to return to everyday activities relatively quickly.
2) Radiofrequency Follicle Cauterization
Radiofrequency follicle cauterization is a treatment in which radiofrequency energy is delivered to the follicles of eyelashes that repeatedly irritate the cornea.
The targeted follicle is selectively cauterized.
Because a fine needle-shaped electrode is used to directly approach the follicle, the treatment area can be controlled with relatively high precision.
This can help reduce repeated corneal irritation caused by eyelashes growing in an abnormal direction.
5. Precautions After Treatment
During the recovery period, it is important to avoid unnecessary irritation around the eyes.
▸ Do not rub the eyes forcefully or apply strong pressure.
▸ Avoid swimming pools, saunas, and steam rooms for the period recommended by your doctor.
▸ It is best to avoid eye makeup as much as possible during the recovery period.
▸ Use prescribed eye drops and ointments according to the dosage and duration instructed by your medical provider.
▸ If pain becomes progressively worse, redness persists, or you experience decreased vision or severe discharge, you should seek ophthalmologic evaluation without delay.