What is an ectropion?

Ectropion is the outward turning of the eyelid. It most commonly affects the lower lid.
What are the symptoms of ectropion?

As the eyelids function to protect the eye, the lid malposition can cause eye dryness, excessive tearing, redness and irritation.

What causes ectropion?

The most common cause is aging. Other causes include facial palsy, injury, scarring, dermatitis or even as a birth defect.

Is Ectropion a serious condition? Can it affect the eyesight?

If you have symptoms of ectropion, you MUST seek medical help. It has the potential to cause vision and eye threatening complications such as corneal ulceration and even blindness.

How is ectropion treated?

Depending on the cause and severity of the condition, it may be managed with lubricants, but surgery is usually needed to achieve full correction. Most people who undergo surgery, experience a positive outcome.

What does the surgery entail?

The procedure is usually performed under local anaesthetic. This means you will be awake during the operation but will have an injection into your eyelid to numb the area beforehand. The surgery involves tightening and repositioning the affected muscles of the eyelid along with some stitches to stop the lid turning out, so that the eyelid rests in a normal position. Stitches/ glue may be used to close the wound at the end of the operation. A pad is often placed over the eye
at the end of the operation.

What is the recovery time?

Each individual and each surgery is different. Expect swelling and bruising around the eyes, which may increase in the first 24-48hrs, but then
gradually decreases. Most of it resolves by 1 week, although complete resolution may take a few weeks. Patients usually feel comfortable doing household activities and working on the computer from the 3rd day onwards, and social activities in a week to 10days. If there are any stiches, they are removed in a week’s time.