What is ectropion?
Normally the upper and lower eyelids rest comfortably against the
surface of the eye. They help to protect the surface of the eye
and keep it moist and lubricated with your tears. Ectropion occurs
when the eyelid (usually the lower eyelid) turns out away from the
eye. This can lead to drying of the front of the eye, which can
cause irritation, redness, and a watery eye.
How does it occur?
Different types of ectropion occur from different causes:
- Involutional ectropion occurs if the eyelid tissues become too
loose, and cause the eyelid to turn out. Eyelid tissues
usually get looser as you get older
- Cicatricial ectropion occurs when the skin of the eyelid
becomes scarred and pulls the eyelid out away from the eye.
Scarring can occur from many causes including injury, surgery,
sun damage, and skin cancer.
- Paralytic ectropion occurs when the nerve controlling the
muscles in the face and eyelid becomes paralyzed. The loss of
muscle tone results in sagging and turning out of the lower
eyelid.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms of ectropion include:
- gritty feeling
- watery eyes
- decreased or cloudy vision
- discharge
- redness of the eye
How is it diagnosed?
Your healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms, examine
your eyes, and perform tests. Tests you may have are:
- an exam using a special microscope (a slit lamp) to look
closely at your eye
- photographs to document the appearance of your eyelids and to
help in your follow up care
How is it treated?
If you have mild ectropion with few symptoms your healthcare
provider may recommend treatment with artificial tear drops and
ointment to keep your eye comfortable. More severe ectropion will
require surgery. Your healthcare provider may recommend surgery to
tighten your eyelid. This may be done with or without a skin
graft, usually using a small piece of the extra skin of your upper
eyelid.
How long will the effects last?
Ectropion, if not corrected by surgery, gradually gets worse over
time. Your eyelid and eye may become more irritated over time. The
opening of your tear drainage system in the inner corner of your
lower eyelid may become scarred and shut, causing your eye to
water all the time.
How can I prevent ectropion?
Ectropion cannot be prevented.
Written by Dr. Daniel Garibaldi.
This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to
change as new health information becomes available. The
information is intended to inform and educate and is not a
replacement for medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or
treatment by a healthcare professional.
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