The Gulfcoast Eye Care Doctors have either authored or reviewed and approved this content.
Ectropion and EntropionEyelid Conditions
Ectropion is an outward turning or sagging lower eyelid whereas Entropion in an inward turning lower eyelid. Generally these conditions occur due to tissue laxity that occurs with natural aging but they may also be associated with other conditions such as trauma, scarring, or other surgeries.
With Ectropion, the outward turning eyelid can cause evaporative tear loss leading to redness, irritation, burning, foreign body sensation, and excessive tearing. With Entropion, the inward turning eyelid causes the eyelashes and skin to rub on the eye leading to redness, irritation, foreign body sensation, and excessive tearing, as well.
Conservative measures include artificial tears and lubricating eye drops. More commonly, treatment requires eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) aimed at tightening and restoring the natural position of the eyelid. This surgery is usually performed as an outpatient procedure with local anesthesia and light sedation. Afterward, you may wear a patch overnight and generally need to use an antibiotic ointment for about a week.