entropion

The veterinarian examines the dog's entropion.

Definition

1. Noun (Medical term):
   • A condition of the eyelid: "entropion" refers to the inward turning of the eyelid, typically the lower eyelid, causing the eyelashes and skin to rub against the surface of the eye (the cornea and conjunctiva). This can lead to irritation, tearing, redness, and potential damage to the eye.

Usage Examples

• (A medical condition where the eyelid turns inward.)
• (A surgical procedure to fix the inward-turned eyelid.)

Advanced Usage

• "Involutional entropion": a common type caused by age-related weakening of the eyelid muscles and tissues.
  • Elderly patients frequently develop involutional entropion due to loss of eyelid tension. (Age-related inward turning of the eyelid.)
• "Cicatricial entropion": a type resulting from scarring of the inner eyelid surface, often due to infection, injury, or surgery.
  • Trachoma can lead to cicatricial entropion, causing chronic eye discomfort. (Scar-related inward turning of the eyelid.)

Variants and Related Words

• Entropic (adj): relating to or characterized by entropion.
  • The entropic changes in the eyelid required prompt medical attention. (Changes associated with the inward turning of the eyelid.)
• Ectropion (n): the opposite condition, where the eyelid turns outward.
  • While entropion turns the eyelid inward, ectropion causes it to sag outward. (A contrasting eyelid condition.)

Synonyms

• Inward turning of the eyelid: a descriptive phrase for the condition.
• Eyelid inversion: another clinical term for the same condition.

Related Idioms

• There are no common idioms involving "entropion," as it is a specialized medical term.
• However, in medical contexts, "to have entropion" is used directly.
  • The dog developed entropion after an eye injury. (The animal's eyelid turned inward due to trauma.)