Ectropion - out turning and sagging of the eyelid.
Ectropion is a very common malposition of the lower eyelid that is manifested by outward turning of the eyelid and sagging. Ectropion can cause multiple problems with the eye. Patients with ectropion note a red, irritated appearance of the lower eyelid. In addition to the appearance of ectropion, patients suffer from a number of functional eye symptoms such as ocular irritation, burning, gritty and sandy feeling, excessive tearing and a chronically red eye. Normal functioning of the eye requires, in part, taut eyelids to moisturize the eye's surface as well as drainage of tears in the lacrimal (tear drainage) system. With ectropion, there is poor ocular lubration and tearing leading to blurred vision. There are many types of ectropion but the most common variant is the involutional form. With involutional ectropion, there is laxity of the lower eyelid and often this is associated by disinsertion of the eyelid retractor muscles.
This is the typical appearance of ectropion of the lower eyelid. On his examination, there is lower eyelid laxity as well as retractor muscle separation. He notes a cosmetically displeasing redness of his lower eyelid as well as tearing, burning and the feeling of sand in his eye. Artificial tears and ointments can temporarily relieve symptoms but ultimately, surgical repair is the definitive treatment for this condition.
Dr. Korn performed lower eyelid ectropion repair in San Diego. This is the same patient after lower eyelid tightening and muscle reinsertion. Note the resolution of the lower eyelid redness. In addition to the cosmetic improvement, the patient notes relief of tearing and resolution of the blurring and gritty feeling in his eye.