Ectropion is a medical condition in which the lower eyelid turns outwards. It is caused by a lack of tone of the delicate muscles that hold the lid taut against the eye. The condition can be repaired surgically .This leaves the inner surface of the eye visible and exposed, which can leave it teary, sore and vulnerable to infection. Both eyes are equally affected, often at the same time. Excessive tearing is a common with ectropion, but wiping the tears away only causes the lid to sag more. Ectropion is most common among people over the age of 60. During blinking, the eyelids normally sweep across the surface of the cornea (Tearing occurs because the eyelids are not able to wipe the surface of the cornea properly to pump the tears into the tear duct. Some cases result from scarring of the eyelid caused by chemical and thermal burns, trauma, skin cancers, or previous eyelid surgery. Prior to surgery, the eye can be protected by taping the lower lid down and using lubricating drops and ointment. In some cases, sutures can be placed through the lower eyelid until more definitive surgery can be performed. You may have a patch overnight and then will commonly use an antibiotic ointment for about a week. After your eyelids heal, your eye will feel comfortable and you will not longer have the risk of corneal scarring, infection, and loss of vision.

Causes of Ectropion

The common Causes of Ectropion :

Mechanical
Allergic
With pregnancy, the cervix tends to evert, making the ectropion larger.
Trauma (through intercourse, tampon insertion, foreign objects in the vagina, or speculum insertion)
Scarring
Congenital
Facial nerve palsy

Symptoms of Ectropion

Some Symptoms of Ectropion :

Dryness or redness
Sagging skin around the eyes
Sensitivity to light and wind
Eyelid turns outward
Excessive tearing
Redness of the lid and white part of the eye

Treatment of Ectropion

Artificial tears and lubricating ointments
Surgery may restore the normal position of the eyelid and improve these symptoms.
A protective eye shield worn at night to prevent drying
Surgery to repair the involved muscles and tendons of the eyelid
If the ectropion is minor, simply an undesirable cosmetic affect and not causing any clinical signs no treatment is necessary.
To be applied together with surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
as the main treatment when the ectropion comes to a terminal stage that none of conventional treatments is applicable.

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