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Ectropion is the turning out of the eyelid (usually the lower eyelid) so that the inner surface is exposed.
Causes, incidence, and risk factorsEctropion is usually caused by the aging process and the weakening of the connective tissue of the eyelid, which causes the lid to turn out. It can also be caused by:
- A defect that occurs before birth (for example, in children with Down syndrome)
- Facial palsy
- Scar tissue from burns
- Dry, painful eyes
- Excess tearing of the eye (epiphora)
- Eyelid turns outward
- Long-term (chronic) conjunctivitis
- Keratitis
- Redness of the lid and white part of the eye
A physical examination of the eyes and eyelids confirms the diagnosis. Special tests are usually not necessary.
TreatmentArtificial tears (a lubricant) may relieve dryness and keep the cornea lubricated. Surgery to tighten the muscles that hold the eyelids in place is usually effective. It may be performed as outpatient surgery with local anesthesia.
Expectations (prognosis)The outcome is expected to be good with treatment.
ComplicationsCorneal dryness and irritation may lead to:
- Corneal abrasions
- Corneal ulcers
- Eye infections
Corneal ulcers can threaten vision.
Calling your health care providerCall for an appointment with your health care provider if you develop symptoms of ectropion.
If you have ectropion, get medical attention if you experience the following emergency symptoms:
- Decreasing vision
- Pain
- Light sensitivity
- Rapidly increasing redness
Most cases are not preventable. Using artificial tears or lubricating ointments may prevent corneal complications.
ReferencesRobinson FO, Collin JRO. Ectropion. In: Yanoff M, Duker JS, Augsburger JJ, et al, eds. Opthalmology. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2004:chap 88.
Wirbelauer C. Management of the red eye for the primary care physician. Am J Med. 2006;119:302-306.
What else can I help you with?
What causes ectropion?
Similar to entropion, the usual cause of ectropion is aging. It also can be due to a spastic eyelid muscle or a scar, as in entropion. It also can be the result of allergies.
Which condition is the eversion of the edge of an eyelid?
The condition you are referring to is called ectropion. It is when the edge of the eyelid turns outward, causing the inner eyelid surface to be exposed. This can lead to symptoms like tearing, redness, and irritation.
What treatment options do patients have who have entropion or ectropion?
Both entropion and ectropion can be surgically corrected. Prior to surgery, the lower lid of entropion can be taped down to keep the lashes off the eye, and both can be treated with lubricating drops to keep the cornea moist.
What does ectopion mean?
Ectropion is a medical condition characterized by the outward turning or eversion of the eyelid, usually affecting the lower lid. This condition can lead to exposure of the inner eyelid surface, resulting in irritation, dryness, and increased susceptibility to infection. Ectropion can occur due to aging, trauma, or certain medical conditions and may require treatment to alleviate symptoms or correct the eyelid position.
Some Facts About Eye Diseases?
Eye disease are fairly common. Some maladies of the eye include entropion and ectropion. Entropion is a disorder where the lower eyelid turns inside out, while ectropion is where the eyelid turns inward. These problems can be remedied by minor surgery. Exophthalmos is when one or both eyes bulge. This can be caused by an overactive thyroid gland, or an infection, tumor or aneurysm behind the eye. Surgery is also used to correct this problem.
What is the prognosis for a patient with eyelid disorders?
The prognosis for styes and chalazia is good to excellent. With treatment, blepharitis, ectropion, and entropion usually have good outcomes. The prognosis for nonmalignant tumors, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma.
What is the medical term meaning abnormal inward turning of an eye?
Ectropion is the medical term meaning outward turning of the edge of the eyelid
What does the medical terminology combining form ec- mean?
Ec- means outside, as in ectopic (out of place) and ectropion (outward turning).
Is an eversion of the lower eyelid?
Eversion of the lower eyelid, also known as lower eyelid ectropion, occurs when the eyelid turns outward, away from the eye. This condition can lead to symptoms such as dryness, irritation, and exposure of the conjunctiva. It may result from aging, scarring, or other factors, and can affect vision if left untreated. Treatment options often include surgical procedures to reposition the eyelid properly.
What is chronic cervicitis with squamous metaplasia?
Chronic cervicitis with squamous metaplasia is a condition where there is prolonged inflammation of the cervix, leading to the replacement of normal glandular cells with squamous cells. This cellular change is a response to the chronic irritation and inflammation and can be a risk factor for cervical dysplasia or cancer if left untreated. Regular monitoring and potential treatment are necessary to prevent further complications.
What is the medical term meaning the divot in your cervix?
The little dent in your cervix is at the opening into the endocervical canal. That opening is called the cervical os or, more specifically, the ectocervical os. At the other end of the canal is the endocervical os.
What are some nine letter words with 2nd letter C and 7th letter I and 8th letter O?
According to SOWPODS (the combination of Scrabble dictionaries used around the world) there are 13 words with the pattern -C----IO-. That is, nine letter words with 2nd letter C and 7th letter I and 8th letter O. In alphabetical order, they are: accension accession accordion accretion actuation acylation ecoregion ectropion occlusion octillion scalation scenarios scutation
