What is Ectropion

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.

The Operation
The best method of repair for an ectropion often depends on the underlying cause. In the Involutional type of ectropion (associated with aging), most Surgeons elect to shorten and tighten the lower lid, thereby resolving the outwardly turned lid. This typically is completed with an incision of the skin at the lateral corner of the eye. The Surgeon then excises a small segment of the lateral aspect of the lower eyelid, and subsequently reconnects the eyelid to underlying tissues and the upper eyelid.

Usually only a few stitches are placed in the skin at the lateral corner of the eye, and these are often removed 7 to 14 days later. There is typically almost immediate resolution of the condition. Most patients have little if any discomfort with the procedure. There may be mild bruising and swelling following the procedure. This should resolve within about two weeks.