Ectropia
Ectropia is a condition in which the eyelid, mainly the lower eyelid, turns back As a result, the surface of the inner part of the eyelid comes into direct contact with the environment and it is easy to irritate it Ectropia is common in the elderly
In severe ectropion, the entire eyelid is inverted In mild cases, only part of the eyelid may be hanging from the eye
Artificial tears may relieve symptoms caused by ectropion prior to surgery.
Ectropia has several different causes:
- muscle weakness As we age, the muscles under the eyes weaken as the tendons relax These muscles and tendons are responsible for keeping the eyelids firmly attached to the eyes As a result of their relaxation, the eyelid begins to loosen and turn over
- Facial paralysis When some facial muscles and nerves become paralyzed, as in Bell's palsy or some tumors, the eyelid muscles are damaged, causing ectropion.
- scars or skin problems Burns or traumatic injuries to the face may cause ectropion
- Growths on the eyelid Benign and malignant growths on the eyelid sometimes cause the eyelid to droop.
- Surgical intervention, injections or cosmetic procedures in the past Past surgical intervention on the eyelid (blepharoplasty) may lead to the development of ectropia after some time, especially when a large amount of skin was removed from the eyelid during the operation. Irradiation of the eyelid during malignant growth also causes ectropion Even cosmetic lasers can crease the eyelid, causing it to move away from the eye and develop ectropia
- Congenital ectropia In rare cases, ectropion is present at birth (congenital). Such cases are associated with genetic diseases such as Down syndrome
- Reaction to drugs Some medications, such as glaucoma drops, can cause ectropion in some cases
Under normal conditions, during blinking, the eyelid distributes tears over the surface of the eye Tears are absorbed through small holes on the inside of the eyelids In ectropion, the eyelid moves away from the eye, resulting in inadequate tear drainage. Symptoms:
- irritation Stagnant tears or dryness can irritate the eyes, causing a burning sensation and redness in the eyelids and the whites of the eyes. Accumulated tears and dryness can irritate the surface of the cornea, resulting in sensitivity to light.
- Excessive tearing As a result of improper drainage, tears can accumulate in the eyes and constantly flow towards the eyelid. People with ectropion often complain of watery, watery eyes
- Strong dryness During ectropion, the patient may feel dry and gritty
When to consult a doctor If you notice that your eyes are constantly watering and irritated, it may be due to drooping of the eyelid and you should immediately consult a doctor
If you know you have ectropion, be alert for symptoms: corneal irritation or ulcers, rapidly increasing redness, pain, sensitivity to light, or blurred vision See an ophthalmologist if you think you have any of the symptoms that are threatening your vision.
