Outturned Eyelids (Ectropion)

Outturned Eyelids (Ectropion)

What is Out turned Eyelid/ Ectropion?

Out Turned Eyelid or Ectropion is an eye condition in which the lower eyelid is turned outwards and the eyelid margin is not touching the eye.

What are the symptoms of an Out Turned Eyelid?

• Watering of eyes
• Redness and irritation, as the eye is exposed to wind and dust
• Dryness of eyes
• Repeated infections
• Inability to close the eye

What causes an out turned Eyelid?

One or both eyelids of one or both eyes may be involved. It may occur due to:

• Age related loosening of eyelid
• Bell’s palsy or any other cause of facial paralysis
• Scars involving the eyelid skin, like burns contracture/ post surgical scarring
• Previous cosmetic surgery- where excessive skin was excised

What are the treatment options?

Ectropion can be managed by both surgical and nonsurgical methods, depending on the severity of symptoms and ectopion
The common non-surgical methods include using:-

• Lubricating eye drops
• Steroid ointments
• Antibiotics (if there is an eye infection)
• Taping the eyelid back (especially at night)

If severe, Surgery may be required to correct the ectropion.

What does surgery entail?

The type of surgery depends on the cause of Ectropion. It is usually performed as an outpatient procedure, under local anesthesia. Dr.Sneha will tighten the tendon which normally holds the eyelid in the correct position.

The incision may be closed by stitches or surgical adhesives.

What is the recovery time?

The recovery time is around a week. Most of Dr. Sneha's patients are able to resume their day to day activities within a week. Stitches if applied, will be removed in a week

What are the potential complications of untreated Ectropion?

• Blurry vision
• Increased sensitivity to light
• Eye pain
• Increased eye redness
• Discharge from the eye