Artificial tears (a lubricant) may provide relief from dryness and keep the cornea lubricated. Surgery to correct the position of the eyelids is usually effective.

Severe cases may need surgery to protect the eye.

The outlook is usually good if the condition is treated before cornea damage occurs.

Corneal dryness and irritation may increase the risk of:

• Corneal abrasions
• Corneal ulcers
• Eye infections

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if:

• Your eyelids turn inward
• You constantly feel as though there is a foreign body in the eye

If you have entropion, the following should be considered an emergency:

• Decreasing vision
• Light sensitivity
• Pain
• Eye redness that increases rapidly

Images

Eye

Review Date: 11/14/2010
Reviewed By: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)