A: Ectropion is an eyelid malposition where the lower eyelid turns outward, often causing eye irritation and tearing. Secondary changes include lid margin thickening, inflammation, mucus production, and inner aspect eyelid roughness.

Most commonly, aging causes a laxity of the eyelid tissues, thus allowing the eyelid to hang away from the eye. Other causes of the condition include Bell’s Palsy, eczema, psoriasis, and congenital malformations.

Surgical correction tightens the lower lid. Complex cases may require a skin graft.