Learn About Ectropion

What is the definition of Ectropion?

Ectropion is the turning out of the eyelid so that the inner surface is exposed. It most often affects the lower eyelid.

What are the causes of Ectropion?

Ectropion is very often caused by the aging process. The connective (supporting) tissue of the eyelid becomes weak. This causes the lid to turn out so that the inside of the lower lid is no longer against the eyeball. It can also be caused by:

  • A defect that occurs before birth (for example, in children with Down syndrome)
  • Facial muscle weakness
  • Scar tissue from burns or injuries
What are the symptoms of Ectropion?

Symptoms include:

  • Dry, painful eyes
  • Excess tearing of the eye (epiphora)
  • Eyelid turns outward (downward)
  • Long-term (chronic) conjunctivitis
  • Keratitis
  • Redness of the lid and white part of the eye

If you have ectropion, you will most likely have excess tearing. This happens because the eye gets dry, then makes more tears. The excess tears can't get into the tear drainage duct. Therefore, they build up inside the lower lid and then spill over the edge of the lid onto the cheek.

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What are the current treatments for Ectropion?

Artificial tears (a lubricant) may ease dryness and keep the cornea moist. Ointment may be helpful when the eye can't close all of the way, such as when you are asleep.

Surgery is very often effective. When ectropion is related to aging or paralysis, the surgeon can tighten the muscles that hold the eyelids in place. If the condition is due to scarring of the skin, a skin graft or laser treatment may be used. The surgery is most often done in the office or at an outpatient surgery center. A medicine is used to numb the area (local anesthesia) before the surgery.

Who are the top Ectropion Local Doctors?
Ophthalmology
Ophthalmology

University Physicians Incorporated

1665 Aurora Ct, 
Aurora, CO 
 211.5 mi
Accepting New Patients

Eric Hink is an Ophthalmologist in Aurora, Colorado. Dr. Hink and is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Ectropion. His top areas of expertise are Ptosis, Eyelid Drooping, Anophthalmia Plus Syndrome, and Blocked Tear Duct. Dr. Hink is currently accepting new patients.

University Physicians Incorporated

13123 E 16th Ave, Children's Hospital Colorad, 
Aurora, CO 
 211.7 mi
Accepting New Patients

Marilyn Dougherty is an Ophthalmologist in Aurora, Colorado. Dr. Dougherty and is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Ectropion. Her top areas of expertise are Eyelid Bump, Meibomianitis, Chalazion, and Subconjunctival Hemorrhage. Dr. Dougherty is currently accepting new patients.

 
 
 
 
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Ophthalmology
Ophthalmology

Eye Center Of Northern Colorado PC

1725 E Prospect Rd, 
Fort Collins, CO 
 200.7 mi

Arthur Korotkin is an Ophthalmologist in Fort Collins, Colorado. Dr. Korotkin and is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Ectropion. His top areas of expertise are Age-Related Macular Degeneration (ARMD), Late-Onset Retinal Degeneration, Geographic Atrophy, Retinal Detachment, and Vitrectomy.

What is the outlook (prognosis) for Ectropion?

The outcome is very often good with treatment.

What are the possible complications of Ectropion?

Corneal dryness and irritation may lead to:

  • Corneal abrasions
  • Corneal ulcers
  • Eye infections

Corneal ulcers can cause vision loss.

When should I contact a medical professional for Ectropion?

Make an appointment with your provider if you have symptoms of ectropion.

If you have ectropion, get emergency medical help if you have:

  • Vision that is getting worse
  • Pain
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Eye redness that is getting worse quickly
How do I prevent Ectropion?

Most cases cannot be prevented. You may want to use artificial tears or ointments to prevent injury to the cornea, especially if you are waiting for a more permanent treatment.

What are the latest Ectropion Clinical Trials?
Objective Evaluation of the Effect of Oculoplastic Operations Using the Vectra M 3D Imaging System

Summary: An objective assessment of that part of the spectrum of ophthalmic eyelid surgeries that focuses on correcting the position of entropy (e.g. ectropion, ptosis surgery) is very difficult - although it is possible to use different measuring parameters (distance of pupillary reflexes from the edges of the eyelid), comparing different distances on the face, exophthalmometry or the lid laxity test - th...

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Who are the sources who wrote this article ?

Published Date: July 09, 2024
Published By: Audrey Tai, DO, MS, Athena Eye Care, Mission Viejo, CA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

What are the references for this article ?

Cioffi GA, Liebmann JM. Diseases of the visual system. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 391.

Maamari RN, Couch SM. Ectropion. In: Yanoff M, Duker JS, eds. Ophthalmology. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 12.6.

Olitsky SE, Marsh JD. Abnormalities of the lids. In: Kliegman RM, St. Geme JW, Blum NJ, et al, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 22nd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2025:chap 664.