ECTROPION
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Ectropion is the medical term used to describe an abnormal lower eyelid that turns outward and no longer touches the eye. As a result, the conjunctiva (the mucous membrane that lines the eyelid) may become red and exposed. This condition usually involves one or both lower eyelids. Ectropion can cause chronic irritation to the eyelid and the eye. This can result in excessive tearing, crusting of the eyelid and mucus discharge, infection, irritation of the cornea (the front part of the eye) and impaired vision. When the lower eyelid is turned outward and no longer touches the eye, it cannot properly spread the tear film across the eye which leads to poor drainage of tears through the nasolacrimal (tear drainage) system. The exposed inner lining of the eyelid becomes dry and inflamed. As a result, the eye may become damaged. The ectropion is usually treated by surgery which is performed as an outpatient (there is usually no need for hospitalization). Local anesthesia, which numbs the eyelid, is combining with light sedation so there is little, if any, pain during or even after the procedure. Please contact the Center for Cosmetic Facial and Eye Plastic Surgery at 727-522-FACE (3223) for more information and a personal consultation. |