The eyelid is the thinnest part of the body, and when it’s mispositioned, it can cause eye-related health issues. Some individuals suffer from eyelid malpositions, known as defects. These malpositions can negatively impact eye health, causing folds in the skin, scarring, or rotation of the eyelid, which can be painful if left untreated.
People experiencing eyelid malposition, such as ectropion or entropion, should consider scheduling an appointment with an eye surgeon before their eye health worsens. Tears, obstructions, redness, and increased sensitivity may accompany malpositions, leading to discomfort and potentially affecting an individual’s vision and overall eye health.
How Eye Health Is Affected by Eyelid Malpositions
There are two main types of malpositions known as entropion and ectropion. An eyelid rolled inward can lead to an entropion, while an eyelid rolled outward may cause an ectropion. These malpositions impact the eyelid in different ways.
Those with either malposition should be treated before the condition worsens, as severe symptoms can affect eye health. When left untreated, a person’s vision can deteriorate. This can be due to various health concerns, such as corneal wounds, including ulcers and abrasions.
Additionally, those with eyelid malpositions can expect to experience common effects associated with malpositions. For instance, eyelids can droop, preventing an individual from seeing thoroughly and clearly. In other instances, a person’s eye can experience inflammation, redness, and pain.
Types of Eyelid Malposition
According to the National Library of Medicine, eyelid malposition is delicate. Not only does the eyelid have complex anatomy, but eyelid repair requires professional expertise.
There are two primary types of malposition. These include entropion and ectropion. The following is a breakdown of the malpositions:
- Entropion – an inward rotation of the eyelid margin
- Congenital entropion – associated with a fold in the eyelid skin
- Involutional entropion – a diminished horizontal support of the lower eyelid
- Cicatricial entropion – an eyelid affected due to burns, trauma, or infection
- Ectropion – the turning out of the eyelid margin, the opposite of entropion
- Involutional ectropion – caused by age-related lower eyelid laxity
- Paralytic ectropion – paralysis of the muscles due to surgery, stroke, or Bell’s palsy
- Cicatricial ectropion – scarring from dermatologic conditions
- Mechanical ectropion – the removal of a mass or tumor on the eyelid
In addition to the above types of malpositions, retraction is caused by scarring from surgery or trauma, chronic corticosteroid use, Parinaud’s syndrome, or thyroid ophthalmopathy.
Another malposition is blepharoptosis, the drooping of the upper eyelid. Types of blepharoptosis include congenital blepharoptosis and acquired blepharoptosis. Paralytic lagophthalmos, or the inability to achieve full eye closure, is also considered a malposition.
Symptoms of Eyelid Malpositions
If a person experiences malposition, several symptoms may be associated with the condition. The symptoms associated with malpositions range in severity. When left untreated, any of the symptoms can worsen.
Some of the symptoms of eyelid malpositions include the following:
- Tearing
- Corneal abrasions
- Eye pain
- Light sensitivity
- Discharge from the eye
- Corneal wounds such as ulcers, lacerations, and abrasions
- Redness
- Irritation
- Feeling of a foreign object in the eye
- Lack of lubrication
- Developing conjunctiva
- Muscle weakness
- Inflammation
- Skin disease
- Dry eyes
- Reduced vision
For those suffering from unwanted and harmful malpositions, consider finding a surgeon who can help treat your condition. An eyelid surgeon may provide treatment options for you to consider.
Find an Eyelid Surgeon
Dr. Geoffrey Kwitko is an expert eyelid surgeon who can conduct thorough eye examinations to diagnose entropion or ectropion. Our professionals provide treatment options for those who suffer from malpositions.
Kwitko can help treat eye health, including those with malpositions. Let us help relieve the eyelid pain you experience. Contact Kwitko today to learn about our safe procedures and surgeries.
