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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