Eye Lid Problems - Ectropion

Ectropion is outward turning usually of the lower lid. Normally the lid remains flush with the globe and keeps the eye bathed with lubricating tear film. When the eyelid looses contact with the globe the tears drain away on the face as the opening through which the tear fluid drains in to the nose is away from the globe. This also leads to dry eye as the tear film in unable to retain.

This condition may occur as the normal aging process when the orbicularis muscle looses tone the lid sags away due to gravity. It occurs in a more severe form in facial palsy when there is paralysis of one half of the face. The paralysed orbicularis muscle is unable to hold the lower lid in place.

Mild cases only require lubricating eye drops. Severe cases require surgical correction of lid under local anesthesia.