Inward Turning Eyelid: Causes, Risks, and What You Can Do

When your eyelid turns inward, it’s called entropion, a condition where the eyelid folds inward, causing lashes to rub against the eye. This isn’t just annoying—it’s a real threat to your vision. The constant scratching from eyelashes can wear down the cornea, lead to infections, and even cause permanent scarring if left untreated. Also known as inward turning eyelid, entropion is more common in older adults, but it can happen at any age due to injury, surgery, or chronic eye inflammation.

Entropion doesn’t happen in isolation. It often links to other eye issues like dry eye syndrome, a condition where your eyes don’t produce enough tears or the tears evaporate too quickly. When your eyes are dry, the tissue around the eyelid can shrink or tighten, pulling the lid inward. It also connects to eyelid surgery, a corrective procedure used to reposition the eyelid and prevent further damage. Many people who’ve had eyelid surgery—whether for cosmetic reasons or to fix previous damage—end up with entropion as a side effect. And if you’ve had repeated eye infections or chronic allergies, your risk goes up even more.

What does it feel like? A gritty, burning sensation, like sand is stuck under your eyelid. You might blink more often, tear up without reason, or notice redness that won’t go away. Some people think it’s just allergies or tired eyes—but if your eyelid is rolling inward, it’s not going to fix itself. Left alone, it can lead to corneal ulcers, which require emergency treatment. The good news? Most cases can be fixed with a simple outpatient procedure. For mild cases, your doctor might suggest tape to hold the lid in place or lubricating drops to reduce friction. But if the problem is ongoing, surgery is the only real solution.

Entropion is more than a cosmetic issue—it’s a functional one. Your eyelid exists to protect your eye. When it turns the wrong way, that protection becomes a threat. If you’ve been ignoring persistent eye irritation, especially if you’re over 60 or have had eye surgery, it’s time to get it checked. You don’t need to live with discomfort or risk your vision. The posts below cover everything from how entropion is diagnosed, to what medications can help manage symptoms, to what to expect if surgery is needed. You’ll find real-world advice from people who’ve been there, plus clear explanations of the medical options that actually work.