Ectropion Repair
Panama City, Florida
Do your lower eyelids sag or your eyelashes turn outward? This condition, called ectropion, is most commonly associated with aging but may occur as a result of scarring or other surgeries. Facial nerve paralysis such as Bell’s palsy can also cause everted eyelashes.
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If left untouched, this condition could result in a thickening of the mucosal surface on the inside of your eyelid. This can cause:
- Eyelid crusting
- Mild to severe irritation
- Mucous discharge
- Damage to the overall health of your eye
When you blink, your eyelids normally sweep across the surface of your cornea. If your eyelids are not able to wipe off the surface of your cornea properly, tearing can also occur.
Age-Related
A majority of ectropion cases are the result of your eyelid tissue relaxing with age. This condition should be surgically repaired surgically before the rubbing causes scarring or permanent damage. Before having surgery, you can protect your eye by taping your lower lid down and applying ointment and lubricating eye drops.
The Procedure
If your case is involutional (associated with aging), Dr. Garland will likely recommend shortening and tightening your lower lid, which corrects the outward turn. This is done by making an incision at the lateral corner of your eye. A small portion of the lower eyelid will then be removed and reconnected to the tissues and your upper eyelid.
Other ectropion cases are the result of scarring from chemical and thermal burns, trauma, skin cancers, or previous eyelid surgery. Though very rare, ectropion can be present at birth if the eyelids do not grow properly.
Recovery
Surgery to repair ectropion is performed under a local anesthesia and takes about 15 minutes. Following surgery, you will wear a temporary eye patch and apply antibiotic ointment for about a week. There are usually a few stitches placed around the lateral corner of your eye; these dissolve in about 7 to 14 days later.
Most patients feel no pain, though there may be mild bruising and swelling following the procedure. If you or a loved one has outward rolling eyelashes or eyelids, please contact the Eye Center of North Florida today, serving patients in Panama City and surrounding areas of north Florida. Please Call our office today and be on your way to seeing the world clearly. Nine doctors. One vision—Yours.
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