Synonyms
Outward rotation of the eyelid, drooping eyelid of the eye
Definition
As with entropion, this is also a malposition of the eyelid. Here, however, not inward (entropion) but outward (ectropion). In addition, the lower eyelid is almost always affected by ectropion.
The eyelid is rolled outwards and often the inside of the eyelid is visible, as you can only see when you pull the lower eyelid down with your thumb. Ectropion – like entropion – is also a disease of old age. The opposite, i.e. the inward turning of the eyelid is called entropion.
Symptoms
As the lower eyelid of the eye hangs down, the tear fluid can no longer flow off in its normal way and runs over the edge of the eyelid (tear drops). The patient wipes the tears from his cheek, pulling the eyelid downwards, thus increasing the ectropion. The chronically irritated eye is often reddened and here too the patient may feel a foreign body sensation.
Although the ectropium does not directly lead to a reduction in vision, the conjunctiva, which is no longer protected by the eyelid, is easily inflamed and thus more susceptible to infection (conjunctivitis). Often it dries out and thickens. You suffer from conjunctivitis?
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of ectropion is easy to make, because the malposition of the eyelid is conspicuously visible. With a slit lamp (special examination device in ophthalmology) the ophthalmologist can additionally determine the extent of the conjunctivitis.
How is an ectropion treated?
As a rule, surgery is the method of choice. This involves attempting to surgically tighten the eyelid and reattach it to the eyeball (bulbus), e.g. by shortening the lower eyelid and then moving it. Surgical treatment of the ectropion is in most cases the only method for long-term relief of symptoms.
The procedure is similar to an eyelid lift. The aim is to stop the outward rotation of the eyelid in order to protect the conjunctiva and cornea sufficiently again. An eyelid lift is a very frequently performed operation.
In this procedure, the eyelid is shortened and excess fat and muscle tissue is carefully removed. The rest is pulled apart a little and then placed back on the eyeball and fixed in place. In most cases, very thin sutures are used, so that no large scar is left at the end.
This surgical procedure is also known as lateral reinoplasty. The procedure is usually performed on an outpatient basis and does not require general anesthesia, only local anesthesia. The treatment usually takes about 1-1.5 hours. The costs are usually around 1500-2000€, but are partially covered by health insurance.