Medicines for Ectropion

What it is

Ectropion is a condition in which an eyelid (usually the lower lid) turns outwards, away from the eyeball, so the inner surface of the lid is exposed. This stops the eyelid doing its normal jobs of spreading tears across the eye and draining them away, leading to symptoms such as watering (as tears overflow rather than draining), a dry, gritty or sore eye, redness and irritation, and the exposed inner lid can become inflamed. If not treated, the poor protection and drainage can cause the surface of the eye to become dry and damaged over time. Like entropion, ectropion is most common in older people due to age-related weakening and laxity of the eyelid tissues; it can also result from facial nerve weakness (such as after Bell's palsy), scarring of the skin around the eye, or other causes. It usually develops gradually. It is diagnosed by examining the eyelid.

How it is treated

Management aims to relieve symptoms and protect the eye, and to correct the lid position. In the short term, lubricating eye drops and ointment keep the exposed eye moist and comfortable and protect its surface, and gently wiping away tears (upwards and inwards, not dragging the lid down) helps. The definitive treatment for most ectropion is a minor operation to tighten and reposition the eyelid so it sits against the eye normally again; this is usually effective and often a day-case procedure under local anaesthetic. The type of surgery depends on the cause (for example age-related laxity versus scarring or nerve weakness). Because the exposed eye can become dry and damaged, treatment is worthwhile, particularly if the eye is becoming sore or the vision affected. The reassuring message is that ectropion is treatable, often with a straightforward operation, which relieves the symptoms and protects the eye.