Mechanics and histology of senile entropion.

THROUGHOUr recorded history senile entropion of the lower eyelid has contributed to the tribulation of the elderly. The mechanical nature of the condition has prompted a sustained surgical onslaught and at least sixty fairly distinct corrective surgical procedures have been described. Most of these operations have had some modicum of success. This in turn has led to the retrospective creation of aetiological hypotheses or to the amplification of preconceived hypotheses, with little recourse to basic research. It is the purpose of this paper to present the results of certain investigations in cases of senile entropion of the lower eyelid. Some of these results will be considered in relation to the suggested aetiological hypotheses.