Treatment:

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

Expectations (prognosis):

The outcome is expected to be good with treatment.

Complications:

Corneal dryness and irritation may predispose the patient to eye infections, corneal abrasions, or corneal ulcers.

Calling your health care provider:

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if symptoms develop (to check for corneal abrasions or corneal ulcers). Corneal ulcer is a vision-threatening condition.

Rapidly increasing redness, pain, light sensitivity, or decreasing vision should be considered an emergency in a person with ectropion.