Ectropion
OVERVIEW
Patients with ectropion have a sagging lower eyelids that leaves the eye exposed and dry. It is caused by a lack of tone of the delicate muscles that hold the lid taut against the eye. 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.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
- Irritation
- Burning
- Gritty, sandy feeling
- Excessive tearing
- Red, irritated eyelid
DETECTION AND DISGNOSIS
Ectropion can be diagnosed with a routine eye exam.
TREATMENT
The irritation can be temporarily relieved with artificial tears and ointments to lubricate the eye; however, surgery to tighten the lid is usually necessary to correct this problem.
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