How to Manage Styes and Recurring Chalazions
THE “E” WORDS OF EYELID HEALTH
Ectropion and Entropion Explained
As we age, it’s essential to be familiar with two common and treatable conditions that may affect our eyelids: ectropion and entropion . These diagnoses are important because people can suffer from them for extended periods but not recognize the symptoms. An ectropion occurs when the lower eyelid begins to drop away from the eye and bows out. When an eyelid bends away from the eye, it tends to make the eye tear more, and this fluid runs over the eyelid. Think of it like bending the wall of your bathtub to allow the water to flow onto the floor. When the eyelid’s lining no longer touches the eye, it separates to the point where air gets in. Exposure to air causes the area to get red and raw. Common causes of ectropion include Bell’s palsy, normal aging, and overly aggressive eyelid surgery in which too much skin was removed. It is usually
managed first through lubricating drops, but surgery may be required to the outside corner of the eye to pull the eyelid tight. A skin graft may be necessary in rare cases where there’s not enough skin on the lower eyelid. The more insidious of the two conditions, an entropion occurs when the lower eyelid rolls in on itself, and the lashes are aimed inward against the eye. Sometimes, the issue can be felt intermittently but this condition will likely worsen over time. Alternative short-term solutions to surgery include applying special tape to hold down the eyelid, administering a small amount of Botox across the lower eyelid, or using sutures to stop it from rolling in. People with either eyelid condition can also have floppy eyelid syndrome, where the eyelid essentially becomes an eternal rubberband that keeps stretching due to the loss of rigidity it once
Ectropion
Entropion
had. This eyelid condition is frequently associated with obstructive sleep apnea. Patients diagnosed with floppy eyelid syndrome are encouraged to fill out a sleep apnea questionnaire, and if positive, we strongly recommend they go for a sleep study. If you are experiencing new and unexplained irritation to one or more eyes, consult your regular eye doctor, who can detect an ectropion or an entropion, and then potentially seek our help to fix either problem.
LOW-SUGAR, NO-BAKE CHEESECAKE
Inspired by AllRecipes.com
INGREDIENTS •
3/4 cup graham cracker crumbs 3 tbsp butter, melted 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg 8 oz cream cheese, softened
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1 1/2 cup milk
1 (1 oz package) sugar-free cheesecake-flavored instant pudding mix 2 pints fresh strawberries, sliced
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DIRECTIONS 1.
The body heals with play, the mind heals with laughter, and the spirit heals with joy.
In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, butter, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Press evenly into an 8-inch pie pan. Refrigerate until set. 2. In a large bowl, using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat cream cheese, then add milk and blend until smooth. 3. Add pudding mixture to cream mixture and blend on low speed until completely mixed. 4. Spoon half the filling over the crust, add a layer of strawberries, then spread the rest of the filling over them and top with remaining strawberries. 5. Cover and refrigerate for at least an hour before serving.
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