What causes ectropion?

Congenital ectropion is present from birth. There is not enough skin on the lower eyelid. This rare form may happen because of problems with some genes. This most often occurs along with health problems, such as:

• Blepharophimosis syndrome

• Down syndrome

• Ichthyosis

Acquired ectropion happens later in life. You weren't born with it. There are 4 different types:

• Involutional ectropion. This is the most common type of ectropion. It's often due to aging. It's most common in older adults. Over time the collagen and elastic fibers in the eyelid can get weak. This causes the eyelid tissue to become very loose. Gravity can then cause the eyelid to fall open.

• Cicatricial ectropion. This is a rare type of ectropion. It’s caused when the lower lid contracts abnormally from shortening of the skin and muscle. This is often from scarring that causes the lid to open outward. This may happen because of an eye infection or eye injury. Or problems after eye surgery. A bacterial infection called trachoma is a common cause of this kind of ectropion.

• Paralytic ectropion. This is also a rare type of ectropion. This is due to a problem with the facial nerve (seventh cranial nerve). This nerve sends signals to the muscle right under the eye. Problems with the nerve can cause other problems in facial movement. Cranial nerve paralysis may occur because of a stroke.

• Mechanical ectropion. This is another rare type. This happens when a tumor or other mass in the eyelid pulls it down.

Symptoms of ectropion

Symptoms are caused by the front part of the eye (cornea) and lining of the eye (conjunctiva) being exposed. They can include:

• Excessive tearing

• Dry eyes

• Itching, burning, or crusting, from chronic conjunctivitis

• Blurry eyesight, sensitivity to light, and eye pain. These are from an infection or ulcer of the cornea.

• Inability to fully close the eyelids, especially with paralytic ectropion

Diagnosing ectropion

Your eye care provider will ask about your past health. They will give you an eye exam. Tests are not needed to diagnose ectropion.

Treatment for ectropion

You may first use treatments, such as:

• Lubricating eye drops, such as artificial tears

• Steroid ointment in the eyes

• Antibiotics to treat an eye infection

• Taping the eyelid into normal position, most often at night

Most people with ectropion will need surgery. The type of surgery used depends on the cause of the ectropion. For example, you may need extra skin removed. Or you may need a donor skin graft to add more skin under your eye. You may need a tumor removed from your eyelid. Surgery successfully treats ectropion in most cases.

Possible complications of ectropion

Ectropion can cause infection of the cornea. This leads to a corneal ulcer. And it may cause scarring of the cornea and loss of eyesight.

When to call your healthcare provider

Call your healthcare provider right away if any of the following occur:

• Eye pain

• Decreased vision

• Eye redness that gets worse

• Sensitivity to light that gets worse

• Blurry eyesight

• Fluid coming from your eye