Ectropion is a condition in which your eyelid turns outwards so that the lid does not sit against the eyeball. This can cause watering because the tears cannot enter the little tear drainage hole in the lid. The inner surface of the lid, which is supposed to remain moist, can dry out and become inflamed. Ectropion is not a serious condition but it is easier to correct at an early stage, before the inside of the lid becomes inflamed and the skin becomes irritated by the tears.
Weakening of the eyelid muscles and laxity of eyelid tendons, mainly as a result of age, can make the eyelid unstable and prone to turning out.
Other causes:
Eyelid trauma
Eyelid surgery
Eyelid cyst or other lesion
Eyelid scarring
Paralysis of nerves
Ectropion can, rarely, be present from birth.
Often lower lid ectropion looks worse than it feels.
If the lid is turned out sufficiently so that the tears cannot drain normally, then the tears will overspill causing watering and this in turn can cause irritation of the lower lid skin.
If the poor lid position results in the cornea drying out, then the eye may feel dry and irritated.
If the poor lid position results in the cornea drying out, then lubricants may be required for comfort and corneal protection.
If the exposed tissue inside the lower lid becomes red and inflamed, then topical steroid cream may be helpful in preparing the lid for surgery.
Lower lid ectropion can only be effectively treated with surgery. Most surgical treatments are quick and highly effective and are performed under local anaesthetic.
