According to Ann Pietrangelo of Healthline, Ectropion occurs when your lower eyelid turns or sags outward, away from your eye, exposing the surface of your inner eyelid. This condition can cause eye irritation, dryness, and excessive tearing. Ectropion can be caused by a variety of factors, including facial paralysis and injury. The most common cause is aging-related muscle weakness or slipping.
Ectropion is caused primarily by muscle weakness or tissue relaxation that occurs as part of the normal aging process. The development of ectropion increases due to age factor. Stroke, skin cancer, scar tissue from injuries or burns, growths on the eyelid (either cancerous or benign), birth defects (due to genetic disorders such as Down syndrome), Bell's palsy or other types of facial paralysis, prior surgery or radiation treatment of the eyelids, and rapid and significant weight loss may also contribute to eye ectropion.
When you blink normally, your eyelids distribute tears evenly across your eyes, keeping the surfaces of your eyes lubricated. These tears, according to the Mayo Clinic, drain into small openings inside your eyelids (puncta). Ectropion occurs when the lower lid pulls away from the eye and the tears do not drain properly into the puncta. Watery eyes (excessive tearing), excessive dryness, irritation due to stagnant tears or dryness of the eyes, and sensitivity to light are some of the signs and symptoms of Ectropion.
Ann Pietrangelo of Healthline suggests that lubricating drops can provide relief and protect your cornea from further damage while you wait for treatment. It should be noted, however, that improper eye wiping can aggravate the problem. Wipe from the outer eye inward to the nose in an "up-and-in" motion. Skin tape, a skin-specific adhesive, may be used to lift and hold the lower lid in place to relieve some symptoms. However, make sure to first consult with your doctor for instructions and recommendations.
Surgery is required for some major problems. The said operation is usually performed as an outpatient procedure using a local anesthetic. The surgeon usually removes a portion of the lower eyelid during the surgery. Stitches are required below the eyelid or on the outside corner of your eye. Most of the time, this surgery is quite effective and solves the problem. If your Ectropion is caused by scar tissue or a lack of eyelid skin, you may require a skin graft (skin transplant). Your doctor will attach skin from behind your ear or your upper eyelid to your lower lid.
Long-term irritation, excessive dryness, and exposure to the cornea can lead to conjunctivitis are among the common complications associated with ectropion. This can cause infected pus or fluid to form around your eye and on your eyelashes, especially when you first wake up in the morning. If you have ectropion symptoms, you should seek medical attention. Ectropion, if left untreated, can cause serious problems with your cornea and even blindness. Moreover, it is impossible to avoid the conditions that cause ectropion. Early treatment, on the other hand, can help minimize the damage and avoid serious complications.
PNFP Marie-Claire Gaas
References:
1. What is ectropion?
Medically reviewed by Vicente Diaz, MD, MBA — Written by Ann Pietrangelo — Updated on November 10, 2020
https://www.healthline.com/health/ectropion
2. Ectropion
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ectropion/symptoms-causes/syc-20351164
