Description

Ectropion (ek-TROH-pee) is a condition in which the eyelid turns in the outside. This leaves the inner eyelid surface exposed and prone to irritation.

Ectropion is more common in older adults, and it generally affects only the lower eyelid. In severe ectropion, the entire length of the eyelid outwards. In less severe ectropion, only one segment of the eyelid sags away from the eye.

Artificial tears and lubricating ointments can help relieve symptoms of ectropion. But usually surgery is needed to fully correct the condition.

Symptoms

Normally when you blink, your eyelids spread the tears evenly through his eyes, that keeps the surface of the eye lubricated. These tears drain openings in the inner part of the eyelids (puncta).

If you have ectropion, the underside of the cap are separated from their eyes, and the tears do not adequately drain into the puncta. The resulting signs and symptoms may include:

  • The tearing of the eyes (excessive tearing). Without proper drainage, your tears to the swimming pool and in a constant flow over your eyelids.
  • Excessive dryness. Ectropion can cause the eyes to feel dry, gritty and sandy.
  • Irritation. Stagnation of tears or dry can irritate your eyes, causing a burning sensation and redness of the eyelids and the white part of your eyes.
  • Sensitivity to light. Stagnation of tears or dry eyes can irritate the surface of the cornea, making it sensitive to light.

When to see a doctor

Consult your doctor if your eyes are constantly watering, or irritated, or the lid appears to be sagging or sagging.

Seek immediate medical attention if you have been diagnosed with ectropion and experience:

  • Rapid increase of redness in the eyes
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Decreased vision

These are the signs and symptoms of exposure of the cornea, or ulcers, which can damage your vision.

Causes

Ectropion can be caused by:

  • The muscle weakness. With age, the muscles under the eyes tend to weaken, and the tendons to stretch. These muscles and tendons hold the lid taut against the eye. When you are weak, your eyelid may begin to decline.
  • The Facial paralysis. Certain conditions, such as Bell's palsy, and certain types of tumors may paralyze the facial nerves and muscles. The Facial paralysis that affects muscles of the eyelid can lead to ectropion.
  • Scars or previous surgeries. The skin that has been damaged by burns or trauma, such as a dog bite, it can affect the way in which the lid rests against your eye. Previous eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) can cause ectropion, especially if a large amount of skin was removed from the eyelid at the time of surgery.
  • The eyelids of growth. Benign or cancerous in the lid can cause the lid to turn outward.
  • Genetic disorders. Rarely is the ectropion is present from birth (congenital). When this is the case, that is usually associated with genetic disorders, such as Down syndrome.

Risk factors

Factors that increase your risk of developing ectropion include:

  • Age. The most common cause of ectropion is the weakening of the muscle tissue associated with aging.
  • Eye prior to surgeries. People who have had eyelid surgery are at greater risk of developing ectropion later.
  • Previous cancer, burns, or trauma. If you've had spots of skin cancer on face, facial, burns, or trauma, you are at greater risk of development of ectropion.

Complications

Ectropion out of your cornea is irritated and exposed, making it more susceptible to drying. The result can be abrasions and ulcers on the cornea, which can threaten vision.

Diagnosis

Ectropion can usually be diagnosed with a routine eye exam and physical. Your doctor may pull on your eyelids during the exam or ask you to close your eyes with force. This helps to evaluate each eyelid's muscle tone and tightness.

If the ectropion is caused by a scar, tumor, previous surgery or radiation, your doctor will examine the surrounding tissue as well.

The understanding of how other conditions that cause the ectropion is important in choosing the correct treatment or the surgical technique.

Treatment

If the ectropion is mild, your doctor may recommend artificial tears and ointments to relieve the symptoms. The surgery is usually required to fully correct the ectropion.

Surgery

The type of surgery you have depends on the condition of the tissue surrounding the eyelid and in the cause of ectropion:

  • Ectropion is caused by the muscles and ligaments of relaxation due to aging. Your surgeon may remove a small part of your lower lid at the outer edge. When the cap is sewn together, the tendons and muscles of the lid is going to be tight, causing the lid to rest properly in the eye. This procedure is relatively simple.
  • Ectropion caused by the scar tissue from the injury or previous surgery. Your surgeon may require the use of a skin graft, taken from the top of the eyelid, or behind the ear, to help support the lower eyelid. If you have facial paralysis or significant scarring, you may need a second procedure to fully correct your ectropion.

Before the surgery, you'll receive a local anesthetic to numb the eyelid and the area around it. Can be lightly sedated using oral or intravenous medication to make you feel more comfortable, depending on the type of procedure you are having and if it is done in an outpatient surgical clinic.

After the surgery, you may need to:

  • To wear an eye patch for 24 hours
  • The use of antibiotics and steroid ointment in the eye several times a day for a week
  • The use of cold compresses periodically to reduce bruising and swelling

After the surgery, you will likely have:

  • Temporary swelling
  • Bruising in and around their eyes

Your eyelid may feel tight after the surgery. But as you heal, it will be more comfortable. The sutures are usually removed about a week after the surgery. You can expect swelling and bruising to disappear in about two weeks.

Lifestyle and home remedies

These lifestyle tips may relieve the discomfort of ectropion:

  • In the eyes of the lubricants. Artificial tears and eye ointments can help to keep the cornea lubricated and prevent vision-threatening damage. The use of an ointment for the eyes, and with a moisture shield over your eye is especially useful during the night.
  • Clean the eyes with care. Constantly wiping the watery eyes can make your eyes in the muscles and tendons to stretch even more, the worsening of your ectropion. Clean from the outside of the eye upwards and towards the nose.

Preparing for your appointment

If you have signs and symptoms of ectropion, which is likely to start by seeing your primary care physician. He or she may refer you to a doctor who specializes in the treatment of disorders of the eyes (eye doctor).

Here's some information to help you prepare for your appointment.

What you can do

Prior to her appointment, take these steps:

  • List of the symptoms that I had and for how long.
  • Find a picture of yourself prior to the appearance of your eyelid changed that you can bring to the appointment.
  • List of all the medicines, vitamins, and supplements you are taking, including the dosage.
  • List of key personal and medical information, including other conditions, recent life changes and stressors.
  • List of questions to ask your doctor.
  • Ask a relative or friend to accompany you, to help you remember what the doctor says.

For ectropion, some basic questions to ask your doctor include:

  • What is the most likely cause of my symptoms?
  • What kinds of tests do I need? Does not require special preparation?
  • Is this condition temporary or long-term?
  • You can ectropion damage my vision?
  • What treatments are available, and which do you recommend?
  • What are the risks of the surgery?
  • What are the alternatives to surgery?
  • I have these other health conditions. How can I best manage them together?
  • Do you have any brochures or other printed material that I can take with me? What sites do you recommend?

What to expect from your doctor

Your doctor may ask you a series of questions, such as:

  • When did you begin experiencing symptoms?
  • The symptoms been continuous or occasional?
  • Have you had any previous surgeries or procedures on the eye or the eyelid?
  • Have you had any of the radiation treatments of the head and neck?
  • Have you had any other eye problems, such as an eye infection or a wound?
  • Are you taking blood thinners?
  • Are you taking aspirin?
  • Are you using eye drops?
Symptoms and treatment of Ectropion