Ectropion Overview
Learn About Ectropion
Ectropion is the turning out of the eyelid so that the inner surface is exposed. It most often affects the lower eyelid.
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
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.
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.
Ivan Marjanovic practices in Belgrade, Serbia. Mr. Marjanovic is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Ectropion. His top areas of expertise are Ectropion, Ocular Hypertension (OHT), Glaucoma, Trabeculectomy, and Aneurysm Repair.
Allen Putterman is an Ophthalmologist in Chicago, Illinois. Dr. Putterman is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Ectropion. His top areas of expertise are Ectropion, Eyelid Drooping, Ptosis, and Hepatic Hemangioma.
Vujica Markovic practices in Belgrade, Serbia. Markovic is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Ectropion. Their top areas of expertise are Ectropion, Glaucoma, Ocular Hypertension (OHT), Iridogoniodysgenesis Type 1, and Trabeculectomy.
The outcome is very often good with treatment.
Corneal dryness and irritation may lead to:
- Corneal abrasions
- Corneal ulcers
- Eye infections
Corneal ulcers can cause vision loss.
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
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.
Summary: Currently, the incidence of involutional and chronic eyelid disorders, such as ectropion, has been increasing, as human life expectancy has risen worldwide (more than 600 million people are aged ≥ 60 years). Ectropion is a common eyelid malposition that causes visual morbidity. It is characterized by eversion of the eyelid margin and has multiple etiologies. Steri-Strip tapes have been used in som...
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.
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