Lid Malpositions (Entropion & Ectropion)
Ectropion & Entropion Repair Surgeon in Illinois & Iowa
Restore Comfort and Eye Protection with Expert Oculoplastic Care
When your eyelids no longer rest in the correct position, it can lead to severe discomfort and long-term damage to your eyes. At Eye Surgeons Associates, Dr. Dan Repp, our fellowship-trained oculoplastic surgeon, provides expert diagnosis and surgical correction of entropion and ectropion—two conditions that cause the eyelid to turn inward or outward. These changes can result from aging, scarring, previous surgery, or underlying muscle weakness. With advanced training in ophthalmology and reconstructive eyelid surgery, Dr. Repp is uniquely qualified to treat these delicate conditions skillfully and precisely.
What Causes These Problems?
Think of your eyelids like rubber bands that lose their stretchiness over time:
- Elastic tissue weakens with age
- Eyelids become loose and unstable
- Muscle connections weaken
- Eyelids can’t maintain proper position
What Is Entropion?
Entropion occurs when the eyelid—usually the lower lid—turns inward toward the eye’s surface. This causes the eyelashes and skin to rub directly against the cornea, often leading to irritation, redness, tearing, and a sensation of something in the eye. If left untreated, entropion can lead to corneal abrasions, infections, or even permanent damage to your vision. The condition may sometimes come and go, especially during inflammation or eye strain.
Entropion: When Eyelids Turn Inward
What happens: Your eyelid turns inward, causing eyelashes to scratch your eye
Symptoms:
- Constant eye irritation
- Redness and mucous
- Risk of eye infection
- Uncomfortable scratchy feeling
Entropion repair surgery is often the best long-term solution to protect your eye and relieve symptoms. Dr. Repp evaluates the root cause and performs a targeted repair to restore the lid to its natural position. To learn more about Dr. Repp’s credentials and other eyelid surgeries offered, visit our oculoplastic surgery page.
What Is Entropion?
Ectropion is the opposite problem—when the lower eyelid turns outward, exposing the inner lid and pulling it away from the eye. This prevents tears from draining properly and exposes the eye to wind, dust, and dryness. Common symptoms include excessive tearing, eye redness, mucus discharge, and a gritty or burning sensation. Over time, ectropion can lead to chronic eye infections and damage to the corneal surface.
Ectropion: When Eyelids Turn Outward
What happens: Your eyelid falls away from your eye
Symptoms:
- Excessive tearing (tears can’t reach drainage system)
- Dry, red eyelid tissue
- Eye irritation
- Tears running down cheek
Like entropion, ectropion repair involves outpatient surgery performed by an eyelid specialist like Dr. Repp. He typically uses a small incision to tighten and reposition the eyelid for optimal function and appearance. You can read more about eyelid reconstruction options for more complex cases.
Why See an Oculoplastic Surgeon?
Dr. Repp is not just a plastic surgeon but an ophthalmologist who has completed additional fellowship training in oculoplastic surgery. This dual expertise makes him exceptionally skilled in protecting your vision while addressing the cosmetic and functional aspects of eyelid position problems. Whether you’re considering ptosis repair for drooping eyelids or blepharoplasty to improve vision and appearance, Dr. Repp will help you understand your options and what insurance covers.
What to Expect from Surgery in the Quad Cities
Surgery to repair entropion or ectropion is performed as an outpatient procedure with IV sedation and local anesthesia. Patients return home the same day and experience minimal discomfort. Recovery typically involves cool compresses, prescription ointment, and activity restrictions for about a week. Stitches are usually removed within 10 to 14 days. During your follow-up visits, Dr. Repp will monitor healing and restore your eyelid position with natural-looking results.
How Surgery Helps
Dr. Repp can:
- Tighten loose eyelids (like cinching a belt)
- Restore muscle connections
- Reposition eyelids properly
- Address related drainage problems
Get Relief from Eyelid Position Problems – Call 563-323-2020 and schedule your appointment.