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Ectropion - Treatment

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 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

Eye

Reviewed last on: 11/10/2008
Linda Vorvick, MD, Family Physician, Seattle Site Coordinator, Lecturer, Pathophysiology, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

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.

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