Ectropion is a common condition where the eyelid sags and with the eyelid margin turning outwards, away from the eye. Ectropion can irritate the eyes and lead to repeated eye infections and, in severe cases, corneal ulcers. Ectropion is one of the most common eyelid procedures, with surgical ectropion repair having a high success rate.
The most common cause of ectropion is due to age-related changes to the structural support of the eyelids. This type of ectropion is called Involutional Ectropion, which usually occurs from around the age of 60 onwards. As you age, your facial muscles weaken and sag, which particularly affects the lower eyelid since the muscles surrounding the tendons and ligaments become lax.
Hover on image to see ectropion example
However, there are several other different types of ectropion to be aware of that are caused differently.
Once you’ve developed an ectropion, the structural changes to the eyelid muscles that cause it are unlikely to be resolved without surgery. In most cases, your symptoms may slowly progress. However, repeated infections are common, and in severe cases, corneal infection or ulceration may develop.
Ectropion has multiple symptoms you may experience, so it’s essential to ensure you are attentive to how severe they can become.
You should seek immediate medical advice if you see any of the following signs, as they may indicate the development of an eye infection or corneal ulcer.
Note: Ectropion may be diagnosed by an optician or GP who can refer you to an ophthalmologist for further assessment and treatment.
Correcting the problem without surgery is impossible, but improving the symptoms with simple steps is possible.
For example, using eye lubricants such as artificial tears can maintain ocular surface wetting, prevent vision-threatening damage, and improve discomfort. If the lower eyelid skin has become dry and cracked, this can be treated with simple eczema treatments like emollient cream. The lower lid can be massaged upward to counter the downward contraction in the skin.
Both Ectropion and Entropion are conditions that affect your eyelid and are typically more common among older individuals. The eyelid conditions also cause similar symptoms, such as redness and watering of the eyes.
Differences:
Ectropion can be diagnosed by an optician or GP who can refer you to an ophthalmologist for further assessment and treatment.
If you have Ectropion, it can be diagnosed with a routine eye exam. You can expect your doctor to ask you to close your eyes and check your eyelids to assess the eyelid muscles and their tone and tightness.
Also, if you have any scars, tumours or have had a previous surgery, it is good to provide medical history for your doctor to give a thorough assessment.
At Ezra Clinic, you can expect to get a highly experienced consultant from our team to do an extensive examination and find the right treatment for you and your symptoms. Don’t leave your symptoms untreated.
Undergoing the ectropion surgery is the only treatment option that can permanently correct the eyelid position.
Once diagnosed your ophthalmologist will discuss your medication with you, and you may be asked to stop taking some medication prior to surgery. Therefore, it is important to tell your doctor if you take any specific medication due to any possible side effects or reactions.
The procedure you receive and the time it takes to perform it will vary depending on your ectropion type. Depending to the type you have, the general time to complete the ectropion treatment is 30 to 90 minutes.
Note:Â You may spend around half a day in our clinic when allowing for preparation and aftercare.
Depending on your planned anaesthesia, your doctor will advise you when to stop eating or drinking but the ectropion treatment usually only requires local anaesthesia with intravenous sedation, ensuring you are comfortable and sleepy throughout the procedure.
The general, age-related (involutional) ectropion surgery involves tightening the lower eyelid with stitches on the outside corner of the eye. Nevertheless, depending on the type of ectropion you’re diagnosed with, the procedure will require a specific technique during the surgery.
During the procedure, we also aim to minimise any significant scarring by making incisions along the eyelids’ natural creases. Stitches are usually removed at one to two weeks.
For most patients, the surgery will correct ectropion almost immediately.
Like with any surgical procedures, there may be some short-term discomfort. As well as, experiencing some bruising and swelling around the area that has been operated on after surgery, but it will usually subside between one and two weeks.
After the procedure, patients will be advised to:
Consider that post-surgical complications such as bleeding or infections are uncommon but are a risk after any operation. Following the aftercare advice is essential so the eyelid can heal properly.
If you are experiencing any ectropion symptoms or signs, don’t wait and request a consultation with us now.