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Ectropion is a disorder that causes your eyelid to turn outward. This exposes the inner eyelid surface, which is prone to discomfort.
Ectropion is more common in older people and usually just affects the lower eyelid. The entire length of the eyelid is turned out in acute ectropion. Only one segment of the eyelid sags away from the eye in less acute ectropion.
Ectropion symptoms can be alleviated using artificial tears and lubricating ointments. However, surgery is frequently required to entirely rectify the issue.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF ECTROPION?
When you blink, your eyelids spread tears evenly throughout your eyes, lubricating the surfaces of your eyes. These tears leak through microscopic apertures on the inside of your eyelids (puncta).
Ectropion occurs when the lower lid slips away from the eye and tears do not flow correctly into the puncta. The following indications and symptoms may occur as a result:
- Eyes that are watery (excessive tearing): Without correct drainage, your tears may pool and spill over your eyelids all the time.
- Excessive dryness: Ectropion can leave your eyes feeling dry, gritty, or sandy.
- Irritation: Dryness or stagnant tears can irritate your eyes, generating a burning feeling and redness in your eyelids and whites.
- Sensitivity to light: Dry eyes or stagnant tears can irritate the surface of the cornea, making you sensitive to light.
WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF ECTROPION?
Ectropion can be produced by the following factors:
- Scars or previous surgical procedures: Skin damage from burns or trauma, such as a dog attack, might impact how your eyelid lays on your eye. Ectropion can be caused by previous eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty), especially if a significant amount of skin was taken from the eyelid at the time of surgery.
- Eyelid enlargements: Eyelid growths that are benign or malignant can cause the lid to turn outward.
- Genetic diseases: Ectropion is rarely present at birth (congenital). When it is, it is frequently linked to genetic diseases like Down syndrome.
- Muscle fatigue: As you become older, the muscles around your eyes weaken and the tendons stretch out. These tendons and muscles keep your eyelid taut against your eye. When they deteriorate, your eyelids may begin to droop.
- Paralysis of the face: Certain diseases and tumors, such as Bell's palsy, can paralyze face nerves and muscles. Ectropion can result from facial paralysis that affects the eyelid muscles.
WHAT ARE THE RISK FACTORS FOR ECTROPION?
The following factors enhance your chances of acquiring ectropion:
- Age: The most common cause of ectropion is aging-related muscular weakness.
- Previously performed eye surgeries: People who have had eyelid surgery are more likely to develop ectropion later in life.
- Cancer, burns, or trauma in the past: You are more likely to develop ectropion if you have had skin cancer patches on your face, facial burns, or trauma.
WHAT ARE THE COMPLICATIONS OF ECTROPION?
Ectropion causes your cornea to become inflamed and exposed, making it more prone to dryness. As a result, abrasions and ulcers on the cornea might occur, threatening your vision.
HOW IS ECTROPION DIAGNOSED?
Ectropion is typically identified during a standard eye checkup and physical examination. During the exam, your doctor may pull on your eyelids or ask you to close your eyes forcefully. This allows him or her to assess the muscle tone and stiffness of each eyelid.
Your doctor will evaluate the surrounding tissue if your ectropion is caused by a scar, tumor, past surgery, or radiation.
Understanding how various disorders produce ectropion is critical in determining the best treatment or surgical method.
WHAT ARE THE TREATMENTS FOR ECTROPION?
If your ectropion is minor, your doctor may advise you to use artificial tears and ointments to relieve the discomfort. In most cases, surgery is required to fully correct ectropion.
Surgery
The type of surgery you receive is determined by the state of the tissue surrounding your eyelid and the cause of your ectropion:
- Ectropion caused by aging muscle and ligament relaxation: Your surgeon will most likely remove a tiny portion of the outer edge of your lower eyelid. The tendons and muscles of the lid will be strengthened when the lid is stitched back together, allowing the lid to sit properly on the eye. This method is often straightforward.
- Ectropion induced by scar tissue from an injury or previous surgery: To support the lower lid, your surgeon may need to utilize a skin graft obtained from your upper eyelid or behind your ear. If you have facial paralysis or substantial scarring, a second treatment may be required to entirely address your ectropion.
A local anesthetic will be administered before to surgery to numb your eyelid and the surrounding area. Depending on the type of surgery and whether it is performed in an outpatient surgical clinic, you may be mildly sedated using oral or intravenous medicine to make you more comfortable.
Following surgery, you may be required to:
- Wear an eye patch for the next 24 hours.
- For one week, apply an antibiotic and steroid ointment on your eye multiple times per day.
- Use cold compresses on a regular basis to reduce bruising and swelling.
Following surgery, you will most likely experience:
- Temporary swelling
- Bruising around your eyes
Following surgery, your eyelid may feel tight. It will get more comfortable as you heal. Typically, stitches are removed approximately a week following surgery. The swelling and bruising should go away in about two weeks.
HOME REMEDIES FOR ECTROPION
These lifestyle changes may help alleviate your ectropion discomfort:
- Apply eye lubricants: Artificial tears and eye ointments can help keep your cornea moist and protect your vision. Overnight, using an eye ointment and wearing a moisture shield over your eye is especially beneficial.
- Wipe your eyes gently: Wiping your moist eyes all the time might cause your under-eye muscles and tendons to stretch even more, exacerbating your ectropion. Wipe from the outside of the eye inward toward the nose.