EYELID
MALPOSITIONED EYELID (ECTROPION)
An out-turning of the eyelid margin, which may not be obvious in the initial phase where the eyelid is only mainly lax.
What are the symptoms?
It can result in:
- tearing
- eye irritation
- poor blink
- difficulty closing the eyes completely (either during a shower resulting in water entering the eye or during sleep)
- red eye
What are the causes?
It is usually due to:
- involutional change
- sun-damage
- facial nerve palsy
- other causes could be secondary to scarring resulting from previous surgery or inflammatory conditions resulting in a cicatricial ectropion
What is the treatment?
Lubricating eyedrops and ointment can be applied to the affected eye to try to keep the eye comfortable. However, the definitive treatment would involve correction surgery.