Ectropion is a common eyelid condition in which the eyelid margin is turned outward, leaving the surface of the eyeball exposed and vulnerable to irritants. This is different from entropion, in which the eyelid turns inward and the eyelashes rub against the eyeball (this will be covered in another blog). Entropion causes more discomfort than ectropion, but it is much less common.
Most patients with ectropion experience tearing, eye irritation, and dry eye symptoms. In severe cases, symptoms can be debilitating, greatly affecting the patient’s quality of life. Two common causes lead to this eyelid condition. The main cause is laxity of the eyelid tissues due to age. This explains why ectropion is more common among the elderly. Nevertheless, we do see ectropion in younger patients who have scarring of the skin of the lower eyelids. This cicatricial ectropion can occur after aesthetic eyelid surgery or as a result of trauma to the eyelid itself.
Regardless of the cause, ectropion must be treated with surgery. Although there are certain measures that can alleviate symptoms temporarily, the only way to permanently cure the condition is by rearranging the eyelid tissues with an operation.
Treating ectropion with surgery
When the symptoms of this condition become significant, they must be addressed with surgery. The lateral tarsal strip operation is a relatively simple and painless procedure that corrects eyelid laxity and returns the eyelid to its normal position without affecting its contour. This is one of the most frequently performed operations by eyelid plastic surgeons.
On the other hand, it is more difficult to treat lower eyelid ectropion that is secondary to scarring of the skin. This is seen quite frequently after lower eyelid bags are removed through the skin (lower blepharoplasty). If the surgeon removes too much skin or the eyelid is not tightened with a canthoplasty, it will retract in a matter of days or weeks. Most of these cases require a skin graft to correct the eyelid position. This is an unfortunate situation for a patient who sought to improve his/her appearance.
Ectropion surgery is done on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia and boasts a quick recovery. The patient can also expect to experience mild swelling and bruising for about one week. Most cases related to age take about 30 minutes of OR time. On the other hand, cicatricial cases can be very long and the recovery much slower.
Ectropion surgery in Costa Rica
Our oculoplastics surgeon is trained in the best techniques for correcting ectropion and returning to eyelids their normal, healthy function. He uses a minimally invasive technique that is safe and very effective. Don’t let ectropion affect your quality of life any longer… our team can help!
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