What is an Ectropion?
Ectropion is the medical term used to describe an outward turning of the lower eyelid. The majority of ectropia are caused by the laxity of the tissues of the eyelid as a result of the natural ageing process. As we get older the eyelid stretches and becomes floppy allowing it to turn out. It can also be caused as a result of sun damage to the cheek skin, causing it to contract and pull the eyelid down. This condition is known as a cicatricial (scarring) ectropion and is common in Devon due to the large amount of sun exposure we experience.
What are the Symptoms of Ectropion?
Ectropion can lead to excessive tearing, redness, mucous discharge and irritation of the eye. There is also a chance of damage to the surface of the eye.
What is the Treatment for Ectropion?
An operation is usually needed to fix an ectropion. The surgery lasts between 45 to 60 minutes and is Performed with “freezing injections” (local anaesthesia) as a day case procedure. This operation will involve tightening the lower lid. Which will correct the lid laxity. You may have a small incision of 10-15mm with a few stitches at the outer corner of the eye or extending down from the edge of the Eyelid. A small skin graft may be needed if there is sun damage to the lower lid skin. The graft is usually taken from behind the ear, the upper eyelid or the arm.
Sometimes a watery eye may persist after successful ectropion surgery. This is because the tear ducts may not be functioning and this may be corrected with further surgery if necessary.
What should I do in preparation for surgery?
Blood-thinning medications such as aspirin, clopidogrel, rivaroxaban and warfarin can make bleeding more likely during and after surgery. If you are taking these drugs your doctor will tell you if and when to stop these medications prior to surgery. You should also stop anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen Nurofen), fish oil, ginger, ginseng and garlic containing supplements 2 weeks before surgery.
What Happens After the Operation?
The eye will be padded after surgery and you can then return home to rest, with instructions for when to remove the dressing over the eye. If no skin graft has been used the eye pad is usually removed the next day. If a skin graft is present, then the dressing may need to remain in place for a few days. You will also be given a post-operative care leaflet. This describes how to clean the eye and apply the medication that you will be given.
It is advisable to keep the operated area relatively dry for 7 days. Although showering is permitted once the dressings are removed. You will unusually require one week off of work.
Do not swim, wear your contact lenses or eye make-up for at least 2 weeks following surgery. However, you may need to avoid for longer if the eye remains red.
What is the Follow-Up Treatment?
You will be given a clinic appointment for between one and two weeks after surgery when the skin Stitches will be removed by one of our nurses. If a skin graft has been used, then we may organise to see you in 2-3 days to remove the dressing.
Contact us today at The Medical Eye Clinic for more information about ectropion.