Ectropion
Ectropion is a state where the eyelid turns outward. Ectropion discloses the sensitive inner eyelid surface, making it vulnerable to discomfort.
Ectropion is more prevalent in older people and usually affects the lower eyelid.
Symptoms considering ectropion
Ectropion causes your lower lid to slide away from your eye, which prevents tears from adequately draining into the puncta. The following list of symptoms and indicators could result:
- Wet eyes (excessive tearing). Your tears may accumulate and continuously pour over your eyelids if improper drainage occurs.
- Extreme dryness Your eyes may feel dry, gritty, and sandy due to ectropion.
- Your eyes can become irritated by close tears or dryness, making them think burning and causing their whites and lids to become red.
- Light sensitivity. Dry eyes or stagnant tears can irritate the cornea’s surface, making you sensitive to light.
Causes for ectropion
Ectropion may result from:
- Muscle slowness. The tendons and muscles around your eyes tend to sag as you age.
- Facial immobility. Bell’s palsy and certain tumors are two disorders that can paralyze the nerves and muscles in the face.
- Scars or signs of prior surgery. Ectropion can result following previous eyelid surgery, especially if a significant amount of skin was taken from the eyelid during the procedure.
- Eyelid enlargements. The eyelid might turn outward due to benign or malignant growth.
- Genetic abnormalities. Ectropion is infrequently seen at birth. Congenital abnormalities like Down syndrome are frequently linked to it.
When to seek a doctor?
Consult a doctor if your eyelids are drooping or sagging or if your eyes are frequently moist or inflamed.
Seek a doctor immediately If you have ectropion and experience any of the following symptoms:
- Eye redness that is escalating quickly
- Sensitive to light
- Diminished vision
Treating ectropion
Self-care
The severity of ectropion and its underlying cause determine how it is treated.
If it’s minor, there could be no need for therapy.
- To lessen discomfort and maintain eye lubrication, your doctor can advise using eyedrops during the day and eye ointment at night.
- Avoid wiping your eyes too much, as this might tug on the eyelid and exacerbate the issue.
Surgery
Ectropion surgery is a reasonably simple technique that might take up to 45 minutes for each eyelid. The surgery is often carried out as an outpatient procedure.
After surgery, your eye will be covered with a pad to keep it safe. It must be left in place for about a day.
Typically, an antibiotic and steroid drop or ointment treatment will be recommended.
Reviewed by – Dr. Priyanka, MBBS MD Microbiology
Page last reviewed: 16 JULY 2022