An outwardly turned or sagging lower eyelid that leaves the eye exposed and dry is an ectropion. When the eye is exposed, it can lead to excessive tearing, irritation and inflammation. Serious corneal damage and irritation can also cause infections, corneal abrasion, light sensitivity and decreased vision.

Generally this condition is caused by tissue relaxation with aging and it can also occur with facial nerve paralysis (Bell's palsy), trauma or scarring.

Irritation can be temporarily relieved with lubricating ointments and artificial tears. If the type of ectropion is the result of aging, the lower lid can be surgically shortened and tightened with an incision at the outside corner of the eyelid and reattachment to underlying tissues and the upper eyelid.

When it is the result of scars following trauma or surgical removal of skin cancers, a skin graft might be needed to repair the tissues.

Ectropion surgery is usually done as an outpatient procedure under local anesthesia, with a light oral or intraveneous sedation. You may wear a patch overnight and use an antibiotic ointment for about a week. Sutures are removed and any minor swelling or bruising subsides within two weeks.

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