Ectropion Symptoms, Causes & More

By shirley

Reviewed: dr. vanta

Article Sources

Article Sources

• 1. 'Ectropion.' Cedars, www.cedars-sinai.org/health-library/diseases-and-conditions/e/ectropion.html.
• 2. 'Ectropion.' Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 5 Jan. 2021, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ectropion/symptoms-causes/syc-20351164.
• 3. NHS Choices, NHS, www.nhs.uk/conditions/ectropion/.
• 4. Entropion and Ectropion By James Garrity, et al. 'Entropion and Ectropion - Eye Disorders.' Merck Manuals Consumer Version, Merck Manuals, www.merckmanuals.com/home/eye-disorders/eyelid-and-tearing-disorders/entropion-and-ectropion.
• 5. 'Ectropion.' Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 5 Jan. 2021, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ectropion/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20351169.

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Eyelids help protect the eyes from irritation and infection by keeping the surface of the eye lubricated with tears. Normally, the upper and lower eyelids close together, completely covering the outer part of the eye. Sometimes, however, one of the lids turns outward, preventing the eyelids from closing correctly. This is called ectropion, and it may be congenital or acquired.

Usually, ectropion occurs on the lower eyelid, affecting one or both eyelids.¹‘Ectropion.’ Cedars, www.cedars-sinai.org/health-library/diseases-and-conditions/e/ectropion.html. Sometimes, the entire length of the eyelid turns outward, but in less severe cases, only part of the eyelid droops away from the eye.²‘Ectropion.’ Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 5 Jan. 2021, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ectropion/symptoms-causes/syc-20351164. There are different types of ectropion.

1. Ectropion Symptoms

When ectropion affects one or both eyes, tears are unable to drain properly. This may cause watery eyes, as the tears flow uncontrolled over the lower lids. The eyes may burn and feel dry, gritty and irritated, and the eyelids and whites of the eyes may appear red.²‘Ectropion.’ Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 5 Jan. 2021, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ectropion/symptoms-causes/syc-20351164.

The eyelids may not be able to close completely. Vision may be blurry, the eyes may be sensitive to light and they may be painful.¹‘Ectropion.’ Cedars, www.cedars-sinai.org/health-library/diseases-and-conditions/e/ectropion.html. Bacterial infections, such as conjunctivitis, are also more likely to develop, and the person may feel as if a foreign body is in the eye.³NHS Choices, NHS, www.nhs.uk/conditions/ectropion/.^,4Entropion and Ectropion By James Garrity, et al. ‘Entropion and Ectropion - Eye Disorders.’ Merck Manuals Consumer Version, Merck Manuals, www.merckmanuals.com/home/eye-disorders/eyelid-and-tearing-disorders/entropion-and-ectropion.