Ectropion

Diagnosis

Ectropion is usually diagnosed during a routine eye examination and a review of your medical history. During the exam, your doctor may gently pull on your eyelids or ask you to close your eyes tightly. This helps evaluate eyelid muscle tone and tightness.

If the ectropion is related to scarring, tumors, previous surgery, or radiation, your doctor will carefully examine the surrounding skin and tissues. Understanding these underlying causes is essential to determine the most effective treatment plan or surgical approach.

Treatment

Mild cases of ectropion can often be managed with artificial tears and lubricating ointments to relieve dryness and irritation. However, most cases require surgery to correct the eyelid position and prevent damage to the eye.

Surgery

The surgical procedure depends on the cause and severity of the ectropion:

• Age-related ectropion: When caused by weakened eyelid muscles and ligaments, the surgeon removes a small section of the lower eyelid at the outer corner. The eyelid is then stitched back together to tighten the muscles and tendons, allowing it to rest properly against the eye. This is typically a straightforward procedure.

• Scar-related ectropion: If ectropion results from scarring, injury, or previous surgery, the surgeon may use a skin graft—often taken from the upper eyelid or behind the ear—to support and reposition the eyelid. Severe cases involving facial paralysis or extensive scarring may require additional procedures.

Before surgery, a local anesthetic is used to numb the eyelid and surrounding area. Depending on the procedure, you may also receive mild sedation for comfort.

After surgery, you may need to:

• Wear an eye patch for 24 hours.

• Apply antibiotic and steroid ointment for about a week.

• Use cold compresses to minimize swelling and bruising.

Temporary swelling, bruising, and eyelid tightness are common after surgery. Stitches are usually removed within a week, and most swelling resolves in about two weeks.

Lifestyle and home remedies

Certain self-care measures can help relieve discomfort and support healing:

• Use eye lubricants: Artificial tears and ointments help keep the eye moist and prevent corneal damage. Using ointment and a moisture shield overnight can be especially beneficial.

• Wipe eyes gently: Avoid wiping watery eyes aggressively, as this can stretch eyelid muscles further. Wipe carefully from the outer corner upward and inward toward the nose.

Preparing for your appointment

If you notice symptoms of ectropion, you may begin by visiting your primary care provider, who can refer you to an ophthalmologist for specialized care.

Before your appointment:

• Note your symptoms and how long they have been present.

• Bring an old photo showing your eyes before the problem started.

• List all medications, vitamins, and supplements you take.

• Include relevant medical history, stressors, or recent life changes.

• Prepare a list of questions to discuss with your doctor.

• Bring a friend or family member to help you remember details from the consultation.

Questions to ask your doctor

• What is the likely cause of my ectropion?

• What tests or exams do I need?

• Can ectropion affect my vision?

• What treatment or surgery do you recommend?

• What are the risks and alternatives to surgery?

• How long will recovery take?

• Are there preventive steps I can take?

What to expect from your doctor

Your doctor may ask questions such as:

• When did your symptoms start?

• Have they been constant or occasional?

• Have you had prior eye surgery or radiation treatment?

• Are you using any eyedrops or blood-thinning medications, such as aspirin?

• Have you had other eye problems, like infections or injuries?

Answering these questions helps your doctor identify the cause and design the best treatment plan for your ectropion.