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Eyelid Ectropion

Ectropion is a term used to describe the out-turning of the eyelid. Your surgeon would have explained the cause of your ectropion. The commonest cause of ectropion is age related laxity of eyelid tissues. There are however other causes such as scarring and shortage of skin, facial palsy or a skin growth pulling the lid out.

Rarely, babies are born with this condition.
 
Often there is only laxity of the eyelid but no frank ectropion. If patients are troubled by watering eyes tightening the lid has a 60-70% chance of improving the symptoms.

Surgery

Your surgeon will explain the exact technique used. The eyelid is injected with a solution of local anaesthetic. The outer or inner, or both corners of the eyelid is sutured on to the orbital rim. This can leave a bit of tenderness on corners for a few weeks, but often resolves.

Sutures are dissolvable, but if they are not absorbed will be removed by the nurse about one month after surgery. The eye is usually covered for twenty four hours. It is advisable not to drive until the dressing is removed. The swelling and bruising usually lasts about seven to ten days, however if you are planning a social event allow at least a month for full recovery.

Sometimes a skin graft is necessary to address the skin deficiency. The skin graft is usually taken from the upper lid, and very rarely skin behind or in front of the ear or arm is used.

How to prepare for surgery

You will be asked to stop Aspirin for three weeks and Warfarin for two days before your operation if you are taking any of these. You must check with your GP to make sure it is safe to do so.

You will also be asked to fast for about six hours. You can drink water or tea but no milk up to two hours before the operation. Although your operation would be under local anaesthesia it is advisable to have an empty stomach particularly as you might require sedation. Wear comfortable clothes. You will be asked to change into a theatre gown and also to remove your jewellery.

Complications of ectropion operation:

1. Allergy to cleaning or aesthetic solution.
2. Infection (unlikely in eyelids as they have very good blood supply).
3. Overcorrection.
4. Recurrence.
5. Corneal abrasion.

Our results are well above the national average success rate (96%) lasting for at least 5 years.

The alternative to surgery is to do nothing. You would however continue to have red sore or watery eyes.

If you have any questions please write them down and discuss them at your preoperative assessment. This would done either in hospital or by telephone when you would have the opportunity to ask any questions about your operation.