Ectropion is the weakening of the connective tissue of the eyelid (usually the lower eyelid), which causes the lid to turn out. This causes the inner surface to be exposed. In severe ectropion, the entire length of the eyelid is turned out. In less severe cases of ectropion, only one segment of the eyelid sags away from the eye.
Ectropion is caused by:
•Most commonly caused by the aging process
•Facial palsy
•Scar tissue from burns
•Long-term (chronic) conjunctivitis
•Keratitis
•Redness of the lid and white part of the eye
•Dry, painful eyes
•Excess tearing of the eye (epiphora)
•A defect that occurs before birth (in children with Down’s syndrome)