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.
Scottsdale Eye Physicians And Surgeons PC
Dennis Kilpatrick is an Ophthalmologist in Scottsdale, Arizona. Dr. Kilpatrick and is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Ectropion. His top areas of expertise are Cataract, Glaucoma, Ocular Hypertension (OHT), and Eyelid Bump. Dr. Kilpatrick is currently accepting new patients.
Oculoplastic Consultants Of Arizona PC
Steven Chen is an Ophthalmologist and a Plastic Surgeon in Glendale, Arizona. Dr. Chen and is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Ectropion. His top areas of expertise are Eyelid Drooping, Ptosis, Entropion, and Blocked Tear Duct.
Grant W Heinz MD PC
Benjamin Campbell is an Ophthalmologist in Mesa, Arizona. Dr. Campbell and is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Ectropion. His top areas of expertise are Orbital Cellulitis, Ectropion, Periorbital Cellulitis, and Ptosis. Dr. Campbell is currently accepting new patients.
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: 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...
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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