Hello. I am Dr. Hyo-wan Suh, the lead surgeon at Lively Plastic Surgery.
If your eyelashes constantly poke your eyes, causing stinging and tearing, or if these symptoms have persisted for a long time, you may be suffering from “Entropion.”
Entropion refers to a condition where the eyelid folds inward, causing the eyelashes to rub against the eyeball. In severe cases, this can lead to corneal damage or vision loss, making it a condition that requires careful attention.
Fortunately, entropion treatment is covered by National Health Insurance Service (NHIS), allowing patients to receive treatment without a significant financial burden.
In today’s post, I will cover everything you need to know about entropion – from its causes and surgical techniques to expected outcomes and health insurance information.
[Entropion Surgery, pre / postoperation 1 week ]
What are the Causes and Symptoms of Entropion?
Entropion is a condition where the eyelid turns inward, causing the eyelashes at the edge to continuously irritate the cornea or conjunctiva.
This leads to various discomforts such as stinging, a foreign body sensation, excessive tearing, and redness. In severe cases, the cornea can be scratched, leading to inflammation, ulcers, and potentially long-term vision impairment.
You might think, “Isn’t it just an eyelash poking my eye?” However, entropion requires more serious attention because it stems from “structural abnormality of the eyelid.”
The causes are diverse:
- Involutional (Senile) Entropion: Caused by the loss of eyelid elasticity due to aging.
- Spastic Entropion: Caused by excessive contraction of the eye muscles.
- Congenital Entropion: Caused by structural abnormalities present from birth.
- Cicatricial Entropion: Caused by scarring from trauma or burns.
Regarding Health Insurance for Entropion
If a clinical examination by a doctor confirms clear signs of entropion, the surgical procedures required for treatment are covered by National Health Insurance.
Since entropion treatment is classified as a procedure to solve functional issues rather than for cosmetic purposes, the treatment process is eligible for insurance coverage. (However, coverage is determined by the doctor’s diagnosis and specific findings, so an objective examination must come first.)
We also receive many inquiries regarding private medical insurance (Silbi). Generally, items covered by National Health Insurance are eligible for reimbursement. However, since coverage amounts and limits vary depending on your individual policy, we recommend checking your policy details or contacting your insurance provider directly.
Entropion Correction Methods
The primary goal of entropion surgery is to correct the eyelid structure so that the eyelashes no longer irritate the eyeball.
Because the eyelid is one of the most sensitive areas of the face, extremely delicate surgery is required. While functional improvement is the priority, the surgery can sometimes change one’s impression or leave scars. Therefore, correction must be performed while carefully considering these aesthetic factors.
1. Upper Eyelid Entropion The cartilage supporting the upper eyelid (tarsal plate) is connected to the “levator palpebrae superioris” (the muscle that opens the eye) to rotate the eyelid outward. The principle is identical to double eyelid surgery. Since this may result in a double eyelid and a change in appearance, it is important to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon who can manage these aesthetic details.
2. Lower Eyelid Entropion The lower eyelid is connected to the lower eyelid retractors during the procedure, in order to rotate the eyelid outward. Lower eyelid surgery requires extra caution as scars in this area can be more noticeable compared to the upper eyelid.
Is Surgery Necessary for Every Case of Eyelash Irritation?
Not all eyelash irritation is caused by entropion.
For example, trichiasis (eyelashes growing in an abnormal direction) or distichiasis (an extra row of eyelashes) can cause similar symptoms. However, these two issues are problems with the eyelashes themselves, not the eyelid structure. In these cases, follicle destruction treatments are the primary solution rather than surgery.
In contrast, since entropion is caused by a structural abnormality of the eyelid, surgical correction is often necessary for long-term ocular health.
What are the Benefits of Entropion Surgery?
The most significant benefit of entropion surgery is the relief of eye irritation. As tearing, stinging, and redness subside, the discomfort in daily life is greatly reduced. Additionally, the risk of corneal damage is minimized, protecting your long-term vision.
At Lively Plastic Surgery, we always consider aesthetic harmony alongside functional improvement.