Eye Facts> Eye Diseases

Diseases & Conditions: Ectropion

Overview

Patients with ectropion have a sagging lower eyelid that leaves the eye exposed and dry. It is caused by a lack of tone of the delicate muscles that hold the lid taut against the eye. Excessive tearing is a common with ectropion, but wiping the tears away only causes the lid to sag more. Ectropion is most common among people over the age of 60.

Signs & Symptoms

• Irritation
• Burning
• Gritty, sandy feeling
• Excessive tearing
• Red, irritated eyelid

Detection & Diagnosis

Ectropion can be diagnosed with a routine eye exam.

Treatment

The irritation can be temporarily relieved with artificial tears and ointments to lubricate the eye; however, surgery to tighten the lid is usually necessary to correct this problem.

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