Entropion
Entropion is where the eyelid turns inwards so the lashes rub against the eye, making it feel gritty and sore. It is usually corrected with a small operation. Read more about entropion →
If symptoms are sudden, severe or getting worse, contact your GP or NHS 111.
Where are you up to?
The NHS reports waiting times by specialty, not by individual condition, so this is the ophthalmology wait (not specific to entropion), updated August 2026. Enter a postcode to see the hospitals near you.
ophthalmology waiting times by hospital
| Trust | Location | Typical wait |
|---|---|---|
| University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust | Birmingham | 2 weeks |
| Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust | Dorset | 4 weeks |
| The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust | Dudley | 5 weeks |
| Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust | Reigate and Banstead | 5 weeks |
| Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust | Wiltshire | 6 weeks |
| London North West University Healthcare NHS Trust | Brent | 6 weeks |
| Airedale NHS Foundation Trust | Bradford | 6 weeks |
| Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust | Cheshire East | 7 weeks |
About entropion
Entropion is when the eyelid, usually the lower one, turns inwards so the eyelashes rub against the surface of the eye. It can make the eye feel gritty, sore, red and watery. It's most common in older adults, as the muscles and tissues around the eye loosen with age.
How it is treated
While you're waiting to be seen, lubricating drops in the day and ointment at night protect the eye and ease the rubbing, and taping the eyelid can give short-term relief. The lasting fix is a small operation under local anaesthetic to turn the eyelid back to its normal position, usually done as a day case.
After treatment
Drops and ointment keep the eye comfortable in the meantime, but they don't correct the lid. After surgery most people find the rubbing and irritation settle quickly, stitches are usually removed within a week or two, and it's sensible to avoid strenuous activity and swimming for a couple of weeks.
Sources: NHS (Guy's and St Thomas'): Eyelid malposition correction surgery. Last updated October 2026.
General information only, not medical advice. Wait or Pay is independent and is not the NHS. Your GP decides what care, if any, you need.