Symptoms:

• Dry, painful eyes
• Excess tearing of the eye (epiphora)
• Eyelid turns outward
• Long-term (chronic) conjunctivitis
• Keratitis
• Redness of the lid and white part of the eye

Signs and tests:

A physical examination of the eyes and eyelids confirms the diagnosis. Special tests are usually not necessary.

Treatment:

Artificial tears (a lubricant) may relieve dryness and keep the cornea lubricated. Surgery to tighten the muscles that hold the eyelids in place is usually effective. It may be performed as outpatient surgery with local anesthesia.

Expectations (prognosis):

The outcome is expected to be good with treatment.

Complications:

Corneal dryness and irritation may lead to:

• Corneal abrasions
• Corneal ulcers
• Eye infections

Corneal ulcers can threaten vision.

Calling your health care provider:

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you develop symptoms of ectropion.

If you have ectropion, get medical attention if you experience the following emergency symptoms:

• Decreasing vision
• Pain
• Light sensitivity
• Rapidly increasing redness

Prevention:

Most cases are not preventable. Using artificial tears or lubricating ointments may prevent corneal complications.