Ectropion
Quick answer
Ectropion is the opposite eyelid malposition to entropion: the eyelid margin — almost always the lower one — turns outward, pulling away from the eye and leaving its surface exposed and less protected.
We have a eyelids specialist
Dra. Cristina Plata Palazuelos
Orbit, Eyelids and Lacrimal Duct
Ectropion is the opposite eyelid malposition to entropion: the eyelid margin — almost always the lower one — turns outward, pulling away from the eye and leaving its surface exposed and less protected.
This reduces the eyelid's ability to spread tears evenly across the eye with each blink, which often leads to chronic dry eye, constant tearing (paradoxically), and irritation. It's also more common with age, due to tissue laxity, though it can have other causes such as facial palsy or scarring.
Treatment is surgical: the eyelid is repositioned and, when needed, tightened to restore its normal position against the eye, restoring its protective function and its ability to spread tears properly.