Understanding Ectropion: The Outward Droop of the Eyelid
Ectropion (ek-TROH-pee-on) is a condition in which the lower eyelid turns outward, leaving the inner surface exposed and prone to irritation. This condition is more common in older adults and generally affects the lower eyelid. In severe cases, the entire length of the eyelid turns out, while in milder cases, only a segment of the eyelid sags away from the eye.
Symptoms of Ectropion
When you blink, your eyelids distribute tears evenly across your eyes, keeping them lubricated. Tears then drain into small openings on the inner part of your eyelids (puncta). Ectropion prevents proper drainage, leading to several symptoms:
- Watery eyes (excessive tearing): Without proper drainage, tears may pool and constantly flow over your eyelids.
- Excessive dryness: This can cause your eyes to feel dry, gritty, and sandy.
- Irritation: Stagnant tears or dryness can irritate your eyes, causing burning sensations and redness.
- Sensitivity to light: Irritation of the cornea can make you sensitive to light.
If you notice constant watering or irritation in your eyes or your eyelid seems to be sagging or drooping, it’s important to see a doctor. Seek immediate care if you experience rapidly increasing redness, sensitivity to light, or decreasing vision, as these are signs of cornea exposure or ulcers.
Causes of Ectropion
Several factors can lead to ectropion:
- Muscle weakness: Aging weakens the muscles and stretches tendons under your eyes, causing the eyelid to droop.
- Facial paralysis: Conditions like Bell’s palsy or certain tumors can paralyze facial nerves and muscles, affecting eyelid position due to decreased tone in the muscle that helps hold the eyelid against the eye.
- Scars or previous surgeries: Damage from burns, trauma, or previous eyelid surgeries can affect eyelid positioning.
- Eyelid growths: Benign or cancerous growths can turn the eyelid outward due to scarring.
- Skin / Tissue laxity: Such as with sun damage or floppy eyelid syndrome.
Risk Factors
Risk factors for developing ectropion include:
- Age: The most common cause is muscle weakening with aging.
- Previous eye surgeries: Increases the risk of developing ectropion later.
- Previous cancer, burns, or trauma: Higher risk if you’ve had skin cancer, burns, or facial trauma.
- Floppy Eyelid Syndrome: A condition where the eyelids (and skin) have increased elasticity causing laxity in the tissues. Floppy Eyelid Syndrome is associated with snoring and sleep apnea with laxity in patient’s airways.
Treatment Options
Treatment for ectropion depends on its severity:
- Non-surgical treatments: Lubricating eyedrops or ointments can relieve symptoms and keep the eye moist. Avoid excessive eye wiping to prevent worsening the condition. Eyelid taping can also temporarily support the lower eyelid to help keep the eye protected.
- Surgical treatments: For more severe cases, surgery is often necessary. This minor outpatient procedure, performed under local anesthesia, typically lasts about 45 minutes to an hour.
Post-Surgery Care
After surgery, the eye may be temporarily patched to aid in healing. Dr. Satterfield will provide personalized post-operative care instructions. Learn more about general post-operative expectations and recovery at SDEyeFace.com.
Additional Resources
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