Ectropion is a disorder of the eyelids, most commonly affecting the lower eyelid, which turns outward and no longer rests against the surface of the eye. It may involve the entire eyelid or only a portion of it. The condition occurs primarily in older individuals.
This condition may cause:
Irritation
Foreign body sensation
Redness
Tearing
Dryness
Mucous discharge
The main cause of this condition is the laxity of the eyelid and the surrounding ocular tissues.
Trauma or a burn in the area of the eye.
A benign or malignant tumor can likewise which causes the eyelid to turn outward.
Finally, paralytic ectropion, which is neurological in nature, may occur as a result of conditions such as Bell’s palsy.
The treatment and management of ectropion depend on the underlying cause.
In most cases, surgical intervention is required. However, if the ectropion is mild or caused by an external factor — such as eyelid swelling — conservative treatment may be sufficient.
The surgical procedure is performed under local anesthesia and lasts about 30 minutes. Hospitalization is not required. After surgery, the eye is usually bandaged for one day, and the patient can resume normal daily activities as early as the following day. It is important to adjust any anticoagulant medication (e.g. aspirin) that the patient may be taking prior to the ectropion surgery.