Ectropion (eyelid turned out) Repair

An ectropion occurs when an eyelid turns out or is excessively loose or sagging.  Ectropion is much more common in the lower eyelid than the upper.  This ectropion may lead to exposure of the internal lining of the eyelid (the conjunctiva), eye dryness, eye irritation and discomfort, redness, tearing, and in some cases may lead to an inability of the eyelids to completely cover and protect the surface of the eye.  If left untreated, an ectropion may lead to excessive mucous or tear production, or even chronic infection.  There are multiple causes of ectropion including excessive loosening of the tissues with age, nerve paralysis, scarring of tissues, or previous surgery.  

The definitive treatment for ectropion is surgical correction.  The exact surgical approach varies and depends on the underlying cause of the ectropion, but it typically requires tightening of the tissues at the outside corner of the eyelids.  Ectropion surgery is an outpatient surgery that is typically performed with local anesthesia and light sedation.  Sometimes a temporary eye patch dressing is placed after an ectropion surgery to increase the chances of long-term success.