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Signs & Symptoms | Detection & Diagnosis | Treatment


Ectropion
 

Overview

Patients with ectropion have a sagging lower eyelid 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.  

Ectropion

Signs and Symptoms

  • Irritation

  • Burning

  • Gritty, sandy feeling

  • Excessive tearing

  • Red, irritated eyelid

 
Detection and Diagnosis

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.   

 

 

St. Luke's Cataract & Laser Institute provides this on-line information for educational and communication purposes only and it should not be construed as personal medical advice.  Information published on this St. Luke's website is not intended to replace, supplant, or augment a consultation with an eye care professional regarding the viewer/user's own medical care.  St. Luke's disclaims any and all liability for injury or other damages that could result from use of the information obtained from this site.

 

Related Conditions

  Dry Eye
 

Related Procedures

  No related procedures
 

Related Tests

  Schirmer Test
Slit Lamp Exam
Vision Test
 

Related Anatomy

  Conjunctiva
Cornea
Eyelids