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Health condition

Entropion and ectropion

Entropion turns the eyelid inward so lashes scrape the eye; ectropion turns it outward so the eye waters and dries; both stem from age-related lid laxity and are fixed with short corrective operations.

Key points

What matters most, at a glance.

The essentials in plain English - symptoms, when to seek help, who to see and what treatment looks like.

  • Entropion: inturned lid and lashes cause grittiness, watering, redness and risk of corneal damage

  • Ectropion: out-turned lid causes watering, soreness and an exposed, red inner lid

  • Both are usually caused by tissue laxity with age

  • Corneal scratching from entropion can lead to infection and scarring - do not just tolerate it

  • Specialist: a consultant ophthalmologist (oculoplastic); day-case surgery under local anaesthetic has high success rates

Understanding it

About Entropion and ectropion, and what to do next.

The lower lid is a sling under tension; as its tendons stretch with age it can rotate inward, dragging lashes across the cornea with every blink, or fall outward, pulling the tear drainage opening away from the eye and exposing the moist inner surface. Entropion is the more urgent of the two because constant lash abrasion ulcerates the cornea; taping the lid down and lubricants are useful holding measures.

Definitive treatment for both is a short operation, typically tightening the lid at the outer corner with additional repositioning steps, done under local anaesthetic with quick recovery and durable results. Scarring, previous surgery or facial palsy variants need tailored techniques, another reason for oculoplastic expertise. Most people start with their GP, who can refer to a consultant ophthalmologist. In many parts of the UK, routine NHS referrals for this kind of problem currently take 20-45+ weeks depending on where you live, whereas an initial appointment with a private consultant is typically available within around two weeks.

A quiet reminder

This guide is for information, not medical advice.

Your GP knows your history and can tell you which parts apply to you. If in doubt, see them.

Frequently asked

Common questions about Entropion and ectropion.

Quick, plain-English answers to what people ask us most.

  • What is entropion and ectropion?

    Entropion and ectropion is a diagnosis used by clinicians to describe a specific pattern of symptoms or findings. It's usually confirmed after a proper assessment, since several conditions can look similar at first.

  • Why does entropion and ectropion happen?

    Entropion and ectropion can arise from several different underlying mechanisms, and in many cases more than one factor contributes. Identifying likely causes usually forms part of the initial specialist work-up.

  • How would I know if I have entropion and ectropion?

    Symptoms of entropion and ectropion vary from person to person and can range from mild and easily missed to significant enough to affect daily life. Because overlapping conditions can produce similar symptoms, a clinical assessment is the most reliable way to confirm what's actually going on.

  • Can entropion and ectropion cause complications?

    Most cases of entropion and ectropion are manageable with appropriate care, though, like many conditions, it can occasionally lead to complications if left unassessed or untreated. Your clinician can give you a realistic sense of the risks based on your specific presentation.

  • Is entropion and ectropion hereditary?

    In most cases entropion and ectropion isn't straightforwardly inherited, though family history can sometimes be a relevant background factor. A clinician can help you understand whether it's worth mentioning relatives' health when being assessed.

  • Is there a cure for entropion and ectropion?

    Entropion and ectropion can often be managed effectively, and in some cases prevented or reversed, with the right combination of lifestyle changes, medication or other targeted treatment. A specialist will tailor the approach to your circumstances rather than applying a one-size-fits-all plan.

  • How is entropion and ectropion treated?

    Treatment for entropion and ectropion is usually built around the severity of your symptoms and any underlying cause found on assessment, and may involve lifestyle measures, medication, physiotherapy or, in some cases, a procedure. Your specialist will discuss the pros and cons of each option with you before agreeing a plan.

  • What's the outlook for entropion and ectropion?

    The outlook for entropion and ectropion varies widely depending on the underlying cause, how early it's diagnosed, and how it responds to treatment. Many people see significant improvement with appropriate care, and your specialist can give you a more personalised timeframe once they've reviewed your case.

  • Could entropion and ectropion be confused with another condition?

    Because several conditions can share similar symptoms to entropion and ectropion, clinicians often consider a short list of possibilities before confirming a diagnosis. This is one of the main reasons a proper assessment, and sometimes targeted tests, matters more than relying on symptoms alone.

  • When should I see a doctor about entropion and ectropion, and how quickly can I be seen privately?

    It's worth seeking medical advice if symptoms of entropion and ectropion are persistent, worsening, or affecting your daily life, rather than waiting for them to resolve on their own. NHS routine referrals for this kind of assessment can take anywhere from around 20 to 45+ weeks, whereas private consultants typically offer an appointment within about two weeks.