Center for Sight

Comprehensive Eye Care Center

Eyelid Positioning Problems

Eyelid position problems such as entropion, ectropion and ptosis are eyelid problems for which Oculoplastic Surgeon, Gregory Hofeldt, M.D. at Center for Sight in Fall River provides specialized consultation, examination, diagnosis and treatment.

Entropion is an eye condition characterized by the turning in of the edges of eyelid-usually the lower eyelid so that the eyelashes may actually rub against the surface of the eye. Entropion can be a congenital eye condition or an acquired eye condition. In babies, it rarely causes problems because the lashes are very soft and do not easily damage the cornea. In older people, the entropion is usually caused by a spasm and weakening of the muscles surrounding the lower part of the eye, causing the eyelid to turn inward. Patients who have entropion often experience symptoms of excessive tearing, eye irritation, redness, discomfort and might even experience a decrease in vision if their cornea is damaged.
Ectropion is an eye condition characterized by the turning out of the lower eyelid so that the inner surface of the eyelid is exposed. Ectropion is usually caused by the aging process and the weakening of the connective tissue of the eyelid, which causes the lid to sag and to turn out. It can also be caused by contraction of scar tissue from burns or from facial palsy and may occur as a congenital defect, for example in children with Down Syndrome. Ectropion may disturb the distribution of tears on the surface of the eye and results in dry, painful eyes, chronic conjunctivitis, excessive tearing or inflammation of the cornea.
Ptosis is commonly referred to as a “droopy eyelid." Ptosis can be caused by weakness of the muscles responsible for raising the eyelid, damage to the nerves that control these muscles or a loss of tone and sagging of the skin of the upper eyelids. Ptosis or a drooping eyelid may be the result of the normal aging process, may be due to a congenital abnormality or possibly the result of an injury or other disease including diabetes, tumors, stroke or other neurological problems. Patients who have a ptosis experience a drooping of one or both eyelids and that can significantly interfere with vision.