DEPARTMENT OF SURGERY. 
1015 
3. Entropion is a term used for a condition marked by the 
apposition of the external margin of the ciliary surface and 
sometimes the skin of the eyelid with the surface of the eye¬ 
ball. Two forms have been recognized, viz., spasmodic and 
organic. The spasmodic variety is generally due to some de¬ 
ficiency in the obicularis muscle, usually of a reflex nature, 
resulting from inflammatory conditions of the eyelid or con¬ 
junctiva. The organic form is generally a sequel of injuries or 
chronic inflammatory conditions. Any of the above mentioned 
conditions which cannot be relieved or improved by the removal 
of eyelashes, should be subjected to careful surgical treatment. 
The operation depends to a great extent upon the condition 
to be relieved or improved ; if there is but a few lashes causing 
the trouble the procedure is comparatively easy, but if a large 
number are involved the procedure is more tedious. We will 
consider three methods of accomplishing it, each one having its 
special indications. These methods are : 
(a) Epilation. 
(b) Electrolytic removal of cilia. 
(c) Scalping. 
(a) Epilation is the most simple method of removing cilia 
when there are but a few causing the trouble or condition 
which is to be relieved. The only instrument needed is a pair 
of cilium forceps. 
When cilia are removed with forceps they will grow again 
and eventually must be removed. This procedure, therefore, is 
not a curative measure and must consequently only be used to 
relieve the condition. 
Operation .—The operator’s hand must be thoroughly 
cleaned ; the eyelid must be held with the left hand and the 
forceps in the right; the cilia are caught with the forceps as 
near to the skin and drawn out by gentle traction to avoid 
breaking. Only one cilium should be taken at a time. Epila¬ 
tion is a procedure used only for temporary relief, because the 
extraction of lashes does not prevent them from growing again ; 
the only permanent cure is electrolysis or scalping. 
(b) Electrolysis .—The electrolytic removal of eyelashes is 
accomplished by passing a mild current of electricity through 
an electrolytic needle attached to a suitable handle and the 
negative pole of a galvanic battery. The positive pole, consist¬ 
ing of a dampened sponge, is applied to some part of the 
patient’s head after the needle has been applied to the root of 
the cilium, which completes the circuit. When the current is 
