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Symptoms of entropion and ectropion can be relieved by anti-inflammatory eye drops or artificial tears, while surgery to tighten the skin and muscles of the eyelid can provide permanent relief (Garrity, 2016). A significant weakening of the muscles supporting the lower eyelids can result in them ‘flopping away’ from the eyeball (ectropion), which can then dry out and become irritated. In some people, the weakening of the muscles supporting the eyelids and loosening of the eyelids result in the eyelashes turning inwards (entropion) and irritating the cornea’s surface, which could lead to ulceration. This can result in an air space developing between the lid and the cornea, particularly at night, potentially leading to epithelial breakdown (Sobel and Tienor, 2013 Liang et al, 2011). Sinking eyeballs and drooping eyelids often lead to the conjunctiva lining the eyelids (tarsal conjunctiva) failing to sufficiently lubricate the front of eye (cornea). Drooping eyelids can gradually obstruct the upper field of vision. As a result, eyelid tissues become lax and the levator muscles in the eyelids weaken, causing the eyelids to droop (ptosis). The retro-orbital fat, which protects and cushions the eye, atrophies with age, causing the eyeball to recede into its socket (enophthalmos). Source: Catherine Hollick Anatomical changes
EARS OPEN EYEBALLS CLICK SERIES
This sixth article in this series on the effects of ageing on the different body systems examines the age-related changes in the eyes and ears. All the senses go through an age-related decline, but the most dramatic changes are seen in the eyes and ears. Diminished acuity of the special senses reduces our ability to perceive the world and communicate.
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The special sense organs – the eyes, ears, nose, tongue – detect information coming from the environment, such as light, sound, smells and tastes, which is then relayed to the brain where it is processed into meaningful sensations.
EARS OPEN EYEBALLS CLICK PDF
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