Information on Ectropion surgery

Ectropion is the medical term used to describe sagging and outward turning of the lower eyelid. This can lead to excessive tearing, redness and crusting of the eyelid, mucous discharge and irritation of the eye.

Most cases of ectropion are due to relaxation of the tissues of the eyelid as a result of aging. Some cases result from scarring of the eyelid caused by chemical and thermal burns, trauma, skin cancers, or previous eyelid surgery.

Risks associated with ectropion surgery include bleeding, scarring, irritation from sutures, wound dehiscence, recurrence of ectropion and very rarely damage to eye or eyesight.

The surgery to repair ectropion is usually performed under local anaesthesia as a day case procedure.

Is the local anaesthetic injection painful?

The pain experienced, varies from person to person. A very fine needle is used and there may be a feeling of pain, stinging or pressure which usually lasts less than a minute.

What does Ectropion surgery involve?

In most cases the lower eyelid is tightened through a small incision at the outer corner of the eyelid and inside of the eyelid. A few stiches are placed to turn the eyelid in to its normal position.

You will have a patch for a few hours and then use an antibiotic ointment (3 times a day) from following day, for about a week. The eyelid can appear bruised and swollen for up to 2 weeks. You may feel some tenderness at the outer corner of the eyelid for up to 2 months. The stiches are usually self dissolving. After your eyelids heal, your eye should feel comfortable.