Entropion Repair in Chicago

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What Is Entropion?

Entropion is a medical condition where the eyelid margin turns inward, forcing the eyelashes to rub against the eyeball. This can cause severe irritation and discomfort, resulting in various symptoms. It may start out small and gradually increase, resulting in more noticeable symptoms and physical changes along the way. In general, we recommend treating it sooner rather than later to avoid potential risks that may arise in the future. If it becomes severe enough, it can even damage the eye’s surface, putting its health at risk.

Symptoms of Entropion

Left untreated, entropion can lead to increasingly notable symptoms. At first, these may seem mild, but they can gradually worsen. Common symptoms include:

  • Excessive tearing
  • Redness, swelling, and irritation
  • Eye discharge (e.g., mucus, tears)
  • Blurred vision
  • Light sensitivity
  • Eyelid crusting
  • Sensation of an object in the eye

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Benefits of Entropion Treatment

Our entropion repair surgery can offer a variety of benefits, including:
  • Eliminating the discomfort caused by entropion
  • Reducing the risk of eye infections, ulcers, and other conditions
  • Improving overall vision quality
  • Increasing comfort when wearing contact lenses
  • Reducing the frequency of eyelid-related issues

At Chicago Oculofacial Consultants, we are dedicated to delivering exceptional results in every procedure for our patients. The sooner you have a specialist take care of entropion for you, the sooner you can enjoy the relief and benefits the procedure can bring.

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Entropion Repair Before & Afters

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Entropion Repair: Treatment Overview

In entropion repair surgery, our eye doctor will make small incisions in your upper or lower eyelids (as needed) and then carefully reposition them to ensure they rest naturally. This helps to prevent the eyelashes from rubbing against the eyeball, ultimately reducing discomfort and improving quality of life. 

The entropion repair surgery is typically done with a local anesthetic, which means our patients will remain conscious during the procedure. We ensure that you are kept fully comfortable throughout the procedure nonetheless. The entire process can take about 1 hour, though this varies depending on your unique situation and eyelid structures.

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After the Surgery: Recovery

The entropion repair surgery is quite straightforward and does not typically require significant recovery time. Patients may experience some mild discomfort after the procedure, but this should subside within a few days. We recommend that patients follow our postoperative care instructions closely to ensure optimal results and minimize potential risks. We will schedule regular check-ups to monitor your recovery progress and ensure your results meet your expectations.

After the Surgery: Results

Entropion repair surgery can offer long-lasting results, drastically reducing the condition and any related eye discomfort. Not only will you be able to enjoy greater comfort during everyday activities, but you may also experience improved vision and less frequent eyelid-related issues. The good news is that you should see and enjoy your results quickly after the procedure, with some noticeable improvements in a matter of days. The procedure should fully and permanently eliminate any signs of entropion that you had. However, it is essential to continue caring for your eyelids, as trauma or damage can still lead to problems.

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Entropion Repair FAQs

If entropion is causing you discomfort and making it difficult to do everyday activities, entropion repair may be the best option for you. If left untreated, entropion can lead to serious eye issues that might not be able to be reversed. So, if you are experiencing this condition, we recommend scheduling a consultation to learn about your options and if you are a candidate for surgery. Our entropion repair surgery provides a reliable and effective solution to address this common condition, offering lasting results.

Entropion surgery should provide long-lasting improvements in eyelid comfort and appearance. Most patients should see generally permanent benefits. However, each person’s situation is unique. The aging process can cause new changes in the eyelid. In vulnerable patients, this may lead to new eyelid issues. Additionally, injuries can cause eyelid problems. Good eyelid care and a healthy lifestyle can help prolong your results.

Dr. Williams keeps all incisions to a minimum and always places them inconspicuously when possible. So, while incisions heal as scars, they should not be visible. Furthermore, patients tend to see gradual improvements in scars over time. Overall, people will only see the positive results of your procedure.

Insurance can cover entropion surgery in some cases. If your inward-facing eyelid is causing physical symptoms, then the procedure can count as medically necessary. Still, the amount of coverage varies. We recommend contacting your insurance to learn about your plan covers.

You likely have a different condition called ectropion. Dr. Williams also provides reconstructive surgery for patients with an outward-turned eyelid. A similarly quick surgical procedure should resolve symptoms and cosmetic issues.