Ectropion | Causes & treatment

What is ectropion?

Ectropion is a condition whereby the lower eyelid loses elasticity and droops outwards from the eye. This exposes the delicate inner surface of the eye and can cause problems.

What causes ectropion?

Loss of elasticity in the eyelid is generally caused by the natural process of ageing, as the body’s muscles become weaker as you age.

Other possible causes can include trauma to the eyelid, a cyst or other lesion, or paralysis of nerves in the eyelid area. This latter cause is most often seen in the case of Bell’s Palsy, which is a sudden incident of weakness or paralysis of facial nerves.

In some rare cases, ectropion can be congenital (from birth), due to incomplete muscle formation in the womb.

What are the symptoms of ectropion?

A person suffering from ectropion may experience the following symptoms in relation to the eye where it is present:

• Dryness
• Redness
• Watering
• Irritation
• Pain
• A “gritty” feeling, like there is something stuck in the eye
• Sensitivity to light
• Increased susceptibility to infections like conjunctivitis

How to treat ectropion

If you believe that you are suffering from ectropion, you should always seek medical advice.

Mild cases of ectropion may be treatable with drops to lubricate the eye and ease symptoms of dryness.

In more severe cases, surgery may be required as a long-term solution. At OCL Vision we perform eyelid laxity surgery during which your surgeon will restore your eyelid back to the correct position. Read more about ectropion treatment and what to expect before and after it here.

How to prevent ectropion

It’s usually not possible to prevent ectropion due to its mostly natural causes. We would advise anyone suffering from ectropion to seek treatment as early as possible to avoid any further complications.