Entropion repair is a short day-case operation that turns an inward-rolling eyelid back to its normal position, so the lashes no longer scratch the eye. It is usually performed under local anaesthetic in 30–45 minutes. At our partner clinics, lower-lid entropion correction starts from £2,534 per lid, with cicatricial (scarred-lid) repair using a flap or graft from £2,745. Prices include the consultant, theatre, anaesthetic and aftercare. Left untreated, the rubbing lashes can damage the cornea, so prompt assessment is recommended.
What is entropion?
Entropion is a condition in which the eyelid — most often the lower lid — turns inward toward the eye. As the lid rolls in, the eyelashes and the lid margin rub against the cornea and conjunctiva, the delicate surfaces at the front of the eye. The result is constant irritation: a gritty, foreign-body sensation, watering, redness and light sensitivity. Many people describe it as feeling like there is always something in the eye.
Most entropion is age-related (involutional), caused by the natural loosening of the eyelid tissues and tendons over time. It can also be cicatricial — caused by scarring of the inner lid from injury, inflammation or previous surgery — or, less commonly, spastic or present from birth. Because the lashes continuously abrade the cornea, untreated entropion can lead to corneal abrasion, infection or scarring, so it should be assessed by an eye specialist. You can read more about the condition on our entropion condition page.
Symptoms of entropion
- Gritty, foreign-body sensation — feels like grit or an eyelash is always in the eye
- Watering eye (epiphora) — constant reflex tearing from the irritation
- Redness and soreness of the eye and lid margin
- Light sensitivity and reflex blinking or squeezing
- Crusting and discharge, especially on waking
- Blurred vision if the cornea becomes scratched or inflamed
Lashes rubbing the eye? Persistent corneal rubbing can scar the cornea. A specialist assessment confirms the diagnosis and the right repair for your lid.
Book an eyelid assessmentTreatment options
Temporary measures can ease symptoms, but they do not correct the underlying lid position — definitive treatment for most age-related entropion is a minor eyelid operation. Your oculoplastic surgeon will recommend the right approach after examining the lid laxity and the cause.
Entropion frequently coexists with other lid problems such as ectropion (outward-turning lid) on the opposite lid, or excess skin treated with blepharoplasty. All eyelid procedures are carried out by our oculoplastic team, who will plan the most effective combination for you.
What happens during entropion surgery
Entropion repair is performed under local anaesthetic as a day case. You stay awake but feel no pain — only mild pressure. The operation usually takes 30–45 minutes, and you go home the same day with the eye padded.
- Local anaesthetic is injected into the eyelid and the skin is cleaned with sterile solution.
- A small incision is made and the lower-lid tendon is tightened (commonly a lateral tarsal strip) to remove the laxity that lets the lid roll in.
- Everting sutures are placed to rotate the lid margin and lashes back outward, away from the eye.
- Where there is scarring (cicatricial entropion), the lid is rotated and reinforced with a flap or small graft to rebuild the margin.
- The incision is closed with fine sutures, the eye is dressed, and you rest briefly before going home.
Recovery week-by-week
Most people recover quickly from entropion surgery, with the gritty rubbing relieved almost immediately once the lashes are turned away from the eye. Bruising and swelling settle over a couple of weeks.
Day of surgery
Eye padded for a few hours. Mild ache relieved by simple painkillers. Begin any prescribed ointment or drops. Rest at home.
Days 1–3
Bruising and swelling are most noticeable. Cool compresses help. The scratchy, watering sensation is usually already much improved.
Week 1
Swelling begins to settle. Sutures are typically removed or dissolve around 1–2 weeks. Most people return to light activities and work.
Weeks 2–4
Bruising fades and the lid position stabilises. Follow-up review confirms healing and correct lash position.
Beyond a month
The lid sits in its normal position and the eye is comfortable. The fine scar in the lid crease becomes virtually invisible.
Cost & insurance
Our entropion repair prices are all-inclusive: consultation, the surgery itself, theatre and anaesthetic, dressings and post-op drops, and your follow-up review. There are no hidden extras.
- Self-pay: from £2,534 per lower lid; cicatricial repair with flap or graft from £2,745 per lid.
- Consultation: from £240, credited toward your procedure if you proceed.
- Insurance: recognised by Bupa, AXA, Aviva, Vitality, Cigna, WPA and others — entropion repair is usually covered as it is functional, not cosmetic. We handle authorisation.
- Finance: 0% options available to spread the cost. See our entropion & ectropion pricing.