Ectropion

Ectropion is a medical condition where the lower eyelid turns outwards. It's most commonly caused by tissue relaxation associated with aging, but can also occur as a result of diseases, injuries, or surgeries that affect the skin or muscles of the eyelids.

Causes

Ectropion can be caused by several factors, including:

• Aging: This is the most common cause. As people age, the muscles under their eyes tend to weaken, and the tendons stretch out. This can cause the eyelid to turn outward.
• Scarring or previous surgeries: If the skin of the eyelid or the tissues around it are damaged or scarred, it can pull the eyelid outward.
• Facial paralysis: Conditions like Bell's palsy can paralyze the muscles that control the eyelids, leading to ectropion.
• Skin conditions: Some skin conditions, such as ichthyosis, can cause ectropion.

Symptoms

The symptoms of ectropion include:

• Tearing: Because the eyelid is turned out, it can't properly spread the tears over the surface of the eye. This can lead to excessive tearing.
• Redness and pain: The exposed inner lining of the eyelid can become red and painful.
• Sensitivity to light and wind: The surface of the eye can become dry and irritated, leading to light sensitivity and discomfort in windy conditions.
• Blurry vision: In severe cases, the cornea can become damaged, leading to blurry vision.

Treatment

The treatment for ectropion depends on the cause. In mild cases, artificial tears and ointments can help to keep the eye lubricated. In more severe cases, surgery may be necessary to tighten the muscles and tendons of the eyelid, or to redistribute the tissues of the eyelid.

See also

• Entropion
• Blepharoplasty
• Lagophthalmos

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