Ectropion
Related Subjects:
|Episcleritis
|Scleritis
|Assessing a Red eye
|Acute Angle Closure Glaucoma
|Allergic and Infective Conjunctivitis
|Anterior and Posterior Uveitis
โน๏ธ About
- Ectropion ๐๏ธ is a condition where the lower eyelid turns outwards, exposing the tarsal conjunctiva.
- This exposure can lead to exposure keratitis ๐ฅ, where the cornea becomes inflamed due to dryness and irritation.
Causes
- ๐ต Age-related weakening of the eyelid muscles
- Bell's palsy ๐ฎ โ weakens the muscles controlling the eyelids
- Scar contraction (trauma, burns, or previous surgery)
๐ฉบ Clinical Features
- ๐ง Excessive tearing (epiphora)
- ๐ฃ Eye irritation and discomfort
- Lower eyelid appears loose, easily displaced from the globe
- Chronic conjunctival redness (due to exposure)
- ๐ Visual acuity usually normal, but prolonged exposure may cause corneal damage
๐ Investigations
- ๐ฌ Slit lamp examination: With fluorescein dye โ reveals inferior punctate erosions (tiny corneal/conjunctival defects).
๐ Management
- ๐ง Topical lubrication: Artificial tears & ointments (especially at night) to protect the cornea.
- ๐จโโ๏ธ Ophthalmology referral for surgical correction in persistent/severe cases.