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Entropion

Disease Details

Family Health Simplified

Description
Entropion is a condition where the eyelid turns inward, causing the eyelashes to rub against the cornea and conjunctiva.
Type
Entropion is an eyelid condition where the eyelid turns inward. It is not typically categorized under genetic diseases with a specific mode of genetic transmission. It is mostly acquired due to aging, scarring, or inflammation. However, some cases can be congenital, which means they are present at birth, but the genetic transmission is not well-defined in those cases.
Signs And Symptoms
Entropion is a condition where the eyelid turns inward, causing the eyelashes and skin to rub against the eye surface. This can lead to various symptoms. Here are the signs and symptoms of entropion:

- Redness of the eye
- Irritation or discomfort, often described as a feeling of something in the eye
- Watery eyes (excessive tearing)
- Mucous discharge
- Sensitivity to light and wind
- Decreased vision if the corneal surface is damaged

Prompt diagnosis and treatment are important to prevent complications, such as corneal ulcers or infections.
Prognosis
The prognosis for entropion is generally good, especially with appropriate treatment. Minor cases can often be managed with artificial tears and lubricating ointments. For more severe cases, surgical correction is typically successful in providing long-term relief and preventing complications such as corneal damage. Early intervention generally leads to better outcomes.
Onset
Entropion is an eye condition where the eyelid turns inward, causing the eyelashes to rub against the cornea. The onset can be gradual and typically affects older adults due to age-related changes in the muscles and tissues around the eyelid. It can also occur as a result of trauma, scarring, or congenital factors.
Prevalence
The prevalence of entropion varies depending on the population and age group. It is more commonly seen in older adults due to age-related changes in the eyelid tissues. Studies suggest that the prevalence in people over the age of 60 can range from 2.1% to 2.6%. However, it is relatively rare in younger individuals and children.
Epidemiology
Entropion is an eye condition wherein the eyelid turns inward, causing the eyelashes to rub against the cornea and conjunctiva.

**Epidemiology:**
- Entropion primarily affects the elderly due to age-related tissue changes.
- It is more common in women than men.
- The prevalence increases with age, often seen in people over the age of 60.
- Congenital entropion, present at birth, is rare.
- It can also be secondary to scarring from trauma, inflammation, or previous surgery.

If you need more information about entropion or its treatment, let me know!
Intractability
Entropion, a condition where the eyelid turns inward, causing the eyelashes to rub against the eye, is generally not considered intractable. It can be effectively managed and treated through various methods, including lubricating eye drops, Botox injections, and surgical procedures to correct the eyelid position. The choice of treatment depends on the underlying cause and severity of the condition.
Disease Severity
Entropion is a condition where the eyelid turns inward, causing the eyelashes to rub against the cornea. It can lead to irritation, pain, and potential damage to the eye's surface. The severity can vary, ranging from mild irritation to severe discomfort and potential vision impairment if left untreated.
Healthcare Professionals
Disease Ontology ID - DOID:12397
Pathophysiology
Entropion is a condition where the eyelid, typically the lower one, turns inward against the eyeball. The pathophysiology involves:

1. **Involutional Changes**: Most commonly due to aging, where the muscles and tendons around the eyelid weaken, leading to turning inward.
2. **Cicatricial Changes**: Scarring from trauma, surgery, or inflammatory diseases like trachoma can cause the eyelid to turn inward.
3. **Congenital Factors**: Rarely, it can be present at birth due to improper development of the eyelid structures.
4. **Spastic Entropion**: Resulting from spasm or hyperactivity of the orbicularis oculi muscle, often secondary to irritation or inflammation.

The turned-in eyelid causes eyelashes to rub against the cornea, potentially leading to irritation, corneal abrasion, and increased risk of infection.
Carrier Status
Entropion is an eye condition where the eyelid turns inward, causing the eyelashes and skin to rub against the eye surface. It primarily affects older adults and is often due to muscle weakness, scarring, or congenital factors. Carrier status is not applicable (nan) for entropion as it is typically not a genetic disorder but a condition related to aging or other physical factors.
Mechanism
Entropion is a condition where the eyelid (usually the lower eyelid) turns inward, causing the eyelashes to rub against the cornea and conjunctiva. This can lead to discomfort, irritation, and potential damage to the ocular surface.

**Mechanism:**
1. **Aging**: Most commonly, entropion occurs due to age-related changes. The eyelid's muscles and tendons become weaker and lose elasticity, which can cause the lid to turn inward.
2. **Scarring**: Scarring from previous trauma, surgery, or conditions like trachoma can lead to cicatricial entropion, where the eyelid twists due to the contraction of scar tissue.
3. **Muscle Spasm**: Spasm of the orbicularis oculi muscle can cause the eyelid to invert, especially in cases of inflammatory or infective conjunctival conditions.
4. **Congenital**: Some individuals are born with anatomical anomalies that predispose them to entropion.

**Molecular Mechanisms:**
Research into the molecular mechanisms underlying entropion is limited, but some pathways and factors have been implicated:
1. **Degeneration of Elastic and Collagen Fibers**: With aging, there is a degeneration of elastic and collagen fibers in the eyelid's connective tissue, resulting in loss of tarsal plate support and turning in of the lid.
2. **Inflammatory Cytokines**: Chronic inflammation can lead to the release of cytokines and other inflammatory mediators that contribute to tissue remodeling and fibrosis, which can cause scarring and secondary entropion.
3. **Matrix Metalloproteinases (MMPs)**: These enzymes are involved in the degradation of extracellular matrix components. Altered expression and activity of MMPs have been associated with tissue remodeling and fibrosis, which can contribute to cicatricial entropion.
4. **Genetic Factors**: In congenital cases, genetic mutations affecting eyelid development and structure may play a role, although specific genetic pathways have not been extensively characterized.

Understanding the molecular mechanisms is essential for developing targeted therapies to treat or prevent entropion effectively.
Treatment
Treatment is a relatively simple surgery in which excess skin of the outer lids is removed or tendons and muscles are shortened with one or two stitches. General anesthesia is sometimes used before local anesthetics are injected into the muscles around the eye. Prognosis is excellent if surgery is performed before the cornea is damaged.
Compassionate Use Treatment
Entropion is a condition where the eyelid turns inward, causing the eyelashes to rub against the eye. While the primary treatment for entropion is usually surgical correction, compassionate use treatments, off-label, or experimental options might include:

1. **Botulinum Toxin Injections (Off-label)**: Botulinum toxin can be injected into the eyelid muscles to temporarily weaken them, causing the eyelid to revert to a more normal position. This is a temporary measure often used for patients who may not be immediate candidates for surgery.

2. **Soft Contact Lenses (Off-label)**: Soft therapeutic contact lenses can sometimes be used to protect the cornea from irritation caused by inward-turning eyelashes.

3. **Taping the Eyelid (Compassionate Use)**: For some elderly or frail patients, taping the eyelid to the cheek can provide temporary relief and prevent the eyelid from turning inward.

4. **Experimental Sutures**: There are experimental approaches involving specialized suturing techniques that can temporarily correct eyelid position.

These treatments may provide temporary relief but usually are not considered permanent solutions. The choice of treatment should always be discussed with an ophthalmologist.
Lifestyle Recommendations
Lifestyle recommendations for managing entropion include:

1. **Protect the Eyes**: Wear sunglasses or safety glasses to protect your eyes from wind, dust, and other potential irritants that could exacerbate the condition.

2. **Lubricate the Eyes**: Use lubricating eye drops or ointments to reduce dryness and irritation caused by the eyelids turning inward.

3. **Clean Eyelids Regularly**: Maintain good eyelid hygiene by gently cleaning the eyelids with a clean, damp cloth to prevent infection and irritation.

4. **Warm Compresses**: Applying warm compresses to the affected eye(s) can provide relief and may help relax the muscles around the eye.

5. **Tape Method**: In some cases, taping the eyelid in a normal position can provide temporary relief from the symptoms.

6. **Avoid Eye Rubbing**: Do not rub your eyes, as this can worsen the symptoms and potentially cause damage to the cornea.

Please consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice and treatment options for entropion.
Medication
Entropion, a condition where the eyelid turns inward, typically requires surgical intervention for a long-term solution. Medications alone are not usually sufficient. However, lubricating eye drops or ointments can provide temporary relief by protecting the cornea from irritation caused by the inward-turned eyelashes. In cases of mild entropion, Botox injections may temporarily reduce muscle spasms causing the inward turn.
Repurposable Drugs
Entropion is a condition where the eyelid turns inward. To manage it, some repurposable drugs include lubricating eye drops or ointments and botulinum toxin (Botox) injections. There are no significant reports on the use of nanotechnology (nan) specifically for entropion treatment.
Metabolites
Entropion, an inward turning of the eyelid, does not have associated specific metabolites as it is primarily a structural and mechanical issue rather than a metabolic disorder. Treatment typically involves addressing the eyelid's position, which might include lubrication, Botox injections, or surgical procedures, rather than targeting any metabolic pathways.
Nutraceuticals
Nutraceuticals typically do not play a significant role in the treatment or management of entropion. Entropion is primarily a mechanical issue where the eyelid margin turns inward, causing the eyelashes to rub against the cornea. Treatment usually involves surgical intervention or the use of temporary solutions like lubricating eye drops and ointments. Nutraceuticals, or dietary supplements that provide health benefits, do not directly address the structural problem of entropion.
Peptides
Entropion is a condition where the eyelid turns inward, causing the eyelashes to rub against the eye. This can lead to irritation, discomfort, and potential damage to the ocular surface.

1. **Peptides**: There are no specific peptides currently approved for the treatment of entropion. However, some research is being done on the use of peptides for wound healing and inflammation, which could be indirectly related to managing symptoms or postoperative recovery.

2. **Nanotechnology (Nan)**: Nanotechnology is not commonly applied in the direct treatment of entropion. However, advances in nanotechnology could potentially contribute to the development of new materials for surgical correction or targeted drug delivery systems to manage postoperative inflammation and healing.