Ectropion

Introduction

Ectropion is where the lower eyelid droops away from the eye and turns outwards. It's not usually serious, but can be uncomfortable.

Ectropion mainly affects the lower eyelid and can occur in one or both eyes.

The drooping eyelid can disrupt the drainage of tears, which can make the eyes:

sore, red and irritated
Watering eyes
feelvery dry andgritty
more vulnerable to bacterial infections, such as conjunctivitis

Insevere cases that aren't treated, it's possible to develop a corneal ulcer (a sore on the eye's surface) that could affect your vision. However, this is rare.

Ectropion is different to entropion , which is where the eyelid turns inwards, towards the eye.

Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 24 Nov 2016

Articles for ectropion

Introduction

Ectropion is where the lower eyelid droops away from the eye and turns outwards. It's not usually serious, but can be uncomfortable.

When to seek medical advice

Visit your GP if you think you have ectropion. They'll be able to diagnosethe problemby examining your eye and can refer you to an eye specialist called an ophthalmologist for further assessment and

What causes ectropion?

Most cases of ectropion are associated with ageing.They usuallyoccur as the tissues and muscles of the eyelids become weaker as you get older. Less common causes of ectropion include: a problem wit

Treating ectropion

Treatment for ectropion dependson its severity and the underlying cause. Mild cases may not need any treatment. If it's onlycausing minor problems, yourGP or eye specialist can advise you about ways

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