Ectropion is an outward turning of the eyelid margin. Patients may experience symptoms due to ocular exposure and inadequate lubrication. Definitive management is surgical. Medical management is temporizing but can improve symptoms while waiting for surgery.
Types
- Involutional ectropion is caused by increased horizontal laxity of the lower eyelid and disinsertion of the lower eyelid retractors.
- Cicatricial ectropion is caused by shortening of the anterior lamella, which is comprised of the skin and orbicularis muscle.
- Paralytic ectropion is caused by decreased orbicularis muscle tone supporting the lower eyelid.
- Additionally, mechanical ectropion can occur when a mass, such as a tumor, displaces the lower eyelid margin.
Congenital ectropion can occur rarely, and may be seen in association with other congenital defects such as blepharophimosis syndrome or euryblepharon.
Causes
- Age (gravity, loss of elasticity)
- Eyelid rubbing
- Repeated eyelid pulling (ex. contact-lens use)
- Floppy eyelid syndrome
- Long term use of eye drops
- Skin conditions which involve the eyelid
- Trauma
- Prior Eyelid Surgery