Date of last review: Due to be updated

Differential diagnosis

  • Facial nerve palsy
  • Stroke
  • Thyroid eye disease
  • Lid tumour
  • Cicatrisation following solar damage, trauma, radiotherapy, burn, dermatitis

Possible management by Optometrist

Treatment

  • Ocular lubricants for tear deficiency/instability related symptoms (drops for use during the day, unmedicated ointment for use at bedtime)
  • Taping the lids closed at night is indicated when there is a risk of corneal exposure (assuming the ectropion will close; i.e. not cicatricial)

Advice

  • Mild cases require no treatment
  • Advise that lid rubbing may increase lid laxity

Management Category

Mild asymptomatic involutional cases

  • Normally no referral unless cicatricial
  • Monitor for deterioration

More severe cases possibly requiring surgery

  • Routine referral

Possible management by Ophthalmologist

  • Surgery, choice determined by nature, position and degree of ectropion
  • Occasionally tarsorraphy for paralytic ectropion