ECTROPION

Ectropion is a disorder that causes your eyelid to flip outward. This exposes the inner eyelid surface, which can cause irritation. Moreover, ectropion is a condition that affects just the lower eyelid and is much more common in elderly adults. 

SYMPTOMS

As you blink, the eyelids usually spread tears uniformly throughout your eyes, lubricating the surfaces of your eyes. These tears run down the inside of your eyelids into tiny holes.

Ectropion occurs when your lower lid slips away from your eye, preventing tears from draining correctly into the puncta. These are the indications and manifestations of having ectropion:

  • Excessive dryness
  • Irritation
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Watery eyes (excessive tearing)

DIAGNOSIS

Ectropion is commonly detected during a normal eye test and physical examination. During the exam, your doctor may tug on your eyelids or urge you to close your eyes tightly. This allows them to examine the muscle tone and stiffness of each eyelid.

Furthermore, your doctor will evaluate the surrounding tissue if the ectropion is produced by a scar, tumor, past surgery, or radiation. 

TREATMENT

When your ectropion is minor, your doctor may prescribe artificial tears plus ointments to help relieve the symptoms. Also, to fully rectify ectropion, surgery is usually required.

Your procedure will be determined by the state of the tissue around your eyelid, as well as the reason for your ectropion:

Ligaments and muscle relaxation. At the outer edge of your lower eyelid, your surgeon will likely remove a tiny portion. Both tendons and muscles of a lid will be strengthened once the lid is stitched back together, allowing the lid to sit correctly on the eye. This method is often simple.

Scarring of tissues due to previous surgery or injury. Your surgeon may need to utilize a skin graft obtained either from the upper eyelid or from behind your ear to support the lower lid. You may require a second treatment to entirely address your ectropion if you have facial paralysis and extensive scarring.

You’ll be given a general anesthetic to numb your eyelid, as well as the area around it before surgery. You may be lightly sedated with oral or intravenous medication to make you more comfortable throughout the procedure, depending on the treatment and whether it is performed in an outpatient surgical clinic setting.

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