Ectropion is the turning out of the eyelid (usually the lower eyelid) so that the inner surface is exposed.
Ectropion is usually caused by the aging process and the weakening of the connective tissue of the eyelid, which causes the lid to turn out. It can also be caused by:
Robinson FO, Collin JRO. Ectropion. In: Yanoff M, Duker JS, Augsburger JJ, et al, eds. Opthalmology. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2004:chap 88.
Wirbelauer C. Management of the red eye for the primary care physician. Am J Med. 2006;119:302-306.