Ectropion

When the lower eyelid turns outward, this condition is called ectropion. When the lid turns inward, this is called "entropion."

When someone experiences ectropion, the eyelid skin may rub against the eye, leading to excessive tearing, mucous discharge as well as crusting of the eyelid and a general uncomfortable feeling that something is in the eye. This condition can also affect vision.

Ectropion occurs when the skin of the eyelid become weakened as a result of aging. However, it can result from chemical or thermal burns, conditions such as cicatricial pemphigoid, or allergies. Though rare, some children are born with ectropion.

To prevent damage to the eye, surgery is recommended to repair entropion. This is achieved when your surgeon tightens the eyelid and its adjacent muscles. This is usually performed on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia. After surgery, you will have to wear a patch over the treated eye for a short period. You will also need to use a topical medication for about a week.

Cicatricial Ectropion

When scarring causes the lower eyelid to roll outward, away from the eye, this is called "cicatricial ectropion." The scarring may also involve the skin, the tissue just below the skin as well as the muscle or nostril. As a result, cicatricial ectropion can cause a drying of the cornea.

When the lid turns outward and is caused by a process that does not involve scarring, this is called "ectropion." When the lid rolls inward, this is called "entropion." There are other variations of these conditions, paralytic entropion, which are described elsewhere. Click on these terms for more information on them.

When someone experiences cicatricial ectropion, the eyelid skin may rub against the eye, leading to excessive tearing, mucous discharge as well as crusting of the eyelid and a general uncomfortable feeling that something is in the eye. This condition can also affect vision.

Cicatricial ectropion can develop from aging skin changes, sun damage, chronic dermatitis, or injuries caused by chemical, heat or radiation burns. It can also develop after surgery or as a result of an infection such as herpes zoster ("shingles"). Congenital ectropion is caused by a shortage of eyelid skin and may be related to other conditions such as blepharophimosis syndrome, euryblepharon and congenital ichthyosis.

To prevent damage to the eye, surgery is recommended to repair cicatricial ectropion. This is achieved when your surgeon tightens the eyelid and its adjacent muscles. This is usually performed on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia. After surgery, you will have to wear a patch over the treated eye for a short period. You will also need to use a topical medication for about a week.

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Paralytic Ectropion

Our facial nerves help us express emotion by helping to raise our eyebrows, close our eyes, and open, close and raise the angle of our mouth. When we experience a paralysis of these nerves, our facial muscles become weakened. This can be present at birth (acquired paralytic ectropion) or as a result of an infection (Bell's palsy) or other health conditions (such as tumors) or injury.

In addition to cosmetic changes to the facial muscles, facial nerve paralysis also affects the eyes by causing eyebrow drooping, elevation of the upper eyelid, ptosis and ectropion of the lower eyelid as well as an inability to close the eye, which can dry the eye and lead to eye infections.

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