Ectropion Surgery
What does the treatment involve?
In some patients with severe recurrent infections or deterioration of vision from scarring of the surface of the eye due to lack of protection by the eyelid, surgical treatment is absolutely necessary. Cases of mild ectropion can be treated with regular lubricants and review of the surface of the eye to monitor for any damage.
In addition, long term malposition of the lid will lead to structural changes to the lid and lashes that may lead to eye problems in the future.
How will I look immediately after surgery?
The operated eye will be bandaged for 2-3 days after the operation. Bruising may last 1-2weeks but often there is little postoperative bruising. The lid can look a little tight and will relax to a natural curve within 2-3 months. If a skin graft is required then it can take some months for the graft to blend in with the surrounding skin.
What is the recovery time?
Most patients will take 1 week off work. Physical activity in the first week should be minimal and then building up to a normal level over the next two weeks. When the bandage is in place, depth perception is difficult when looking out of just one eye, so extra care must be taken to avoid falls.
What are the risks?
Any surgery carries risk, overall, the risks for this procedure are low and will be discussed fully at the time of your consultation. Often the risk to the eye and vision if the operation is not performed outweighs any risk of the operation.
How long do the results of the surgery last?
Our tissues change as we age and changes however it is very uncommon for redo surgery to be required.
Is there anyone who shouldn't have this surgery?
There are very few people who cannot have this procedure. In all cases this procedure is eligible for rebates from Medicare and private health funds.
Entropion Surgery
What does the treatment involve?
Temporary treatments are available. However, the effect of these procedures do not last and so surgery is required for a lasting repair.
Surgery for entropion requires the tightening of the tendon of the eyelid and more importantly re-attaching the “retractor” muscle within the eyelid. This muscle is a very small muscle that can be difficult to find. If it is not properly re-attached the chance of recurrence of the entropion is high.
The operation is a day surgical procedure under local anaesthesia with sedation.
How will I look immediately after surgery?
No bandage is required. Bruising may last 1-2weeks, but often there is little or no postoperative bruising. The lid can look a little tight and will relax to a natural curve within 2-3 months. Usually there are sutures which need removing and these are positioned under the lower eyelashes or in the corners of the eyelid.
What are the risks?
Any surgery carries risk however the risks for this procedure are low and will be discussed fully at the time of your consultation. Overall, the risk to the eye and vision if the operation is not performed outweigh any risk of the operation.
How long do the results of the surgery last?
Our tissues change as we age and changes, however as long as the retractor muscle is adequately re-inserted it is very uncommon for redo surgery to be required.
Is there anyone who shouldn't have this surgery?
Some children will grow out of this condition, so if the entropion is mild and the patient is monitored for ongoing damage to the surface of the eye, surgery may sometimes be avoided.
In adult’s surgery is nearly always required irrespective of the age of the patient.
