Vision & Refractive Errors | Keratoconus | Cataract Surgery
Help with lower eyelid ectropion
Lower eyelid ectropion is an eyelid malposition in which the lower eyelid margin is turned
away from its normal position in contact with the eye. Most commonly this is due to ageing
but it can also occur in patients with skin problems e.g. sun damaged skin, eczema,
following an injury/burn, or in patients with facial palsy.
The ectropion leads to increased redness of the eyelid, watery eye, irritation and
discomfort. This can lead to a vicious cycle of secondary events and so the condition should
ideally be treated early. Watery eye may lead to irritation and contraction of the skin of the
lower eyelid that further worsens the ectropion. In addition, the patient tends to continually
wipe the lower eyelid, which in turn results in eyelid stretching that further worsens the
lower eyelid position. If the condition is neglected, the conjunctiva on the inside surface of
the eyelid becomes exposed, red, inflamed and eventually thickened. The tear duct may
scar over which contributes to the watery eye.
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If you think you may be suffering from this, the team at Viewpoint Vision in St Helens can help, just get in touch to book an appointment.
Ectropion surgery
Ectropion is usually corrected surgically
The type of surgical treatment depends on the underlying cause of your ectropion. In most people, ectropion is caused by muscle and ligament relaxation due to ageing. These patients undergo surgery to tighten the eyelid at the outer aspect of the eyelids.
Help with shortened eyelids
Some patients with shortening of the skin of the eyelids require a flap or a skin graft to help support the lower lid. If you have facial paralysis or significant scarring, you might need a second procedure to completely correct your ectropion.
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Day case procedure with quick recovery time
Ectropion surgery is performed under a local or twilight anaesthetic and it is a day case procedure. Recovery time is about 2 weeks, during this period you will have lower eyelid
skin sutures, some swelling and light bruising of your periocular area. Sutures are removed 10-14 days after the surgery, or sometimes left to dissolve spontaneously.
Some of our other treatments
Laser eye surgery
Laser eye surgery may help with conditions including short-sightedness, far-sightedness, astigmatism, and presbyopia.
Cataract surgery
Cataract surgery is one of the most common eye surgeries performed today. It is quick, safe and a great investment to improve the quality of your life.
