Ectropion


Eyelid turning out, which exposes the inner conjunctiva side of the eyelid. Usually the lower eyelid is affected and it usually occurs with age. It can cause eyelid pain, foreign body sensation, red eye and itchy teary eyes. Both entropion and ecotropion are most common in people over the age of 40 and both can cause significant complications. Understanding these conditions and getting the appropriate treatment from an optometrist is important.

In some ways, ecotropion is the opposite problem as entropion. Instead of turning inwards, however, ecotropion occurs when the eyelids begin to turn outward and downward. As a result, the inner lid and more of the eye is exposed, which can make your eye vulnerable to injury or infection. Ecotropion usually occurs with the lower, not the upper, eyelid. It can occur in one or both eyes.

Causes of Ectropion

Ectropion can occur for a number of reasons. However, you are more at risk of developing this condition as you get older because of the weakening of the eye muscles – they just become less able to keep the eyelids firm and non-drooping.

Other health problems are also sometimes a cause of ectropion. Facial palsy, blepharospasm (uncontrollable contractions of your eyelid), and a number of congenital problems such as Down’s Syndrome are a few examples. Improperly fitted glasses, a false eye, or a tumour near your eye can also sometimes lead to eyelid drooping.

Symptoms of Ectropion

As with entropion, you may be able to notice the change in your eyelid just from looking in the mirror. If not, you may be alerted to a problem by the presence of other symptoms. Eye redness, irritation, or excessive watering, can all be signs of this problem. However, they can also be signs of many other eye conditions, including entropion. If you can’t close your eyes all the way or if you are having trouble blinking, these are good indicators that you are suffering from entropion and need to consult an eye health professional. If left untreated, the condition can at its extreme, lead to vision loss so it is advisable to seek treatment as soon as possible.

Diagnosis & Treatment of Ectropion

If you suspect you have ectropion, visit your optometrist. He or she can usually make the diagnosis after a visual inspection of your eyelid. However, you will probably need to see an ophthalmologist for your treatment options.

Some treatments may be available based on the causes of your condition. For example, if your ectropion is being caused by blepharospasm, you can usually control the problem with Botox injections into the eyelid muscles. Once paralysed, the involuntary contractions will stop and your eyelids should return to normal.

For mild conditions, the use of artificial tears may help reduce the irritation. However, if too much of the eye becomes exposed, the ophthalmologist will be likely to recommend something more invasive, such as surgery. The surgery will tighten the muscles and other parts essential for keeping the eyelid in its proper place. The procedure is done under local anesthetic so discomfort is minimal.


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