Ectropion
Palpebral disorders result in an incorrect positioning of the eyelid, often involving the rim and eyelashes. In entropion, the rim turns inward, the eyelashes irritating the cornea. In ectropion, the opposite occurs: the rim of the eye turns outward, losing contact with the eyeball. Keratinisation—dry eye—follows, and the eyelid turns red. In some cases, the eyeball can become ulcerated. The condition may also affect tear ducts so that the eyes constantly water.
What are the surgical options?
In both entropion and ectropion, the goal of surgery is to return the rim of the eye to its normal position in contact with the eyeball, and to return the tear duct to its normal position so that it can correctly drain tears. Surgical techniques for these conditions are many and varied. The specific surgical procedure chosen depends on various factors, including: severity of the case, the position of the eyelashes, the laxity of the eyelid and the degree to which the eye is permanently affected.
