Updated: Jul 7, 2009
Lower lid ectropion is a common condition in older persons, increasing steadily in incidence with advancing age.
Ectropion is an eversion of the eyelid away from the globe.1 It is classified according to its anatomic features as involutional,2,3 cicatricial, tarsal, congenital, or neurogenic/paralytic.
Surgical approaches are directed toward the underlying etiologic factors.
Ectropion is an outward turning of the eyelid margin and occurs most often in the lower eyelid. It may be mild or severe and may involve all or part of the eyelid margin.
Ectropion is most commonly seen as an involutional change associated with horizontal laxity of the involved eyelid. Ectropion may be subdivided into 5 types: congenital, involutional, cicatricial, paralytic, and mechanical.
Causal factors leading to ectropion include horizontal laxity of the eyelid (universal), dehiscence of the lower eyelid retractors, vertical shortening of the anterior lamella of the eyelid, paralysis of the orbicularis oculi muscle causing loss of eyelid muscular tone, and neoplasia within the lower eyelid pulling or forcing the eyelid away from the globe.4
Presentation is usually either from 1) epiphora (see below), 2) ocular irritation, or 3) cosmesis.
There is generally a progression from eyelid laxity to punctal ectropion, medial ectropion, then generalized ectropion. If the punctum is slightly everted from the lacus lacrimalis, tears cannot effectively drain into the canalicular system. Horizontal eyelid laxity also may produce a flaccid canalicular syndrome or poor lacrimal pump, so that tears are not siphoned from the lacus lacrimalis.
This tearing malfunction is aggravated by the chronic ectropion and eyelid retraction that produce lagophthalmos and secondary exposure keratopathy. With time, the exposed conjunctiva thickens and keratinizes, producing further ocular irritation.
See Clinical.
Thorough knowledge of eyelid anatomy is essential to appreciate the etiology and surgical intervention of lower eyelid abnormalities. The eyelid can be conceptualized to consist of an anterior and posterior lamella.
Anterior lamella
The anterior lamella consists of the skin and orbicularis muscle. The thin delicate skin of the eyelid lacks dermal-like connective tissue and pilosebaceous apparatus that would reduce eyelid mobility. The orbicularis muscle is categorized as either orbital or palpebral portions based on adjacent anatomic structures. Orbital orbicularis muscle overlies the orbital rim. Palpebral orbicularis muscle is further classified as preseptal or pretarsal based on the proximity of orbital septum or tarsus, respectively. At the eyelid margin a strip of orbicularis muscle, the muscle of Riolan, is directly associated with the eyelashes.
Posterior lamella
The posterior lamella consists of the eyelid retractor, tarsus, and conjunctiva. The lower eyelid is analogous to the upper eyelid with the main variation being the eyelid retractor system. The upper eyelid has a distinct eyelid retractor, the levator muscle, to enhance upper eyelid mobility. The lower eyelid does not have a specialized eyelid retractor. The lower eyelid retractor system originates as a fascia extension of the inferior rectus muscle (capsulopalpebral head). This fascial system splits to encapsulate the inferior oblique muscle and then reunites to form a dense fibrous sheet (capsulopalpebral fascia) to insert onto the inferior tarsal border. The inferior tarsal muscle is a smooth muscle analogous to the superior tarsal muscle (Muller muscle) of the upper eyelid. This muscle originates in the inferior fornical area and extends toward the inferior tarsal border but does not insert on the tarsal border as its counterpart in the upper eyelid does.
The inferior tarsal muscle provides sympathetic innervation to the lower eyelid, and interruption of its innervation results in a slightly elevated position of the lower eyelid margin as observed in Horner syndrome. Otherwise, the inferior tarsal muscle has little pathologic significance. The tarsus provides the primary support or foundation for the eyelids. Although degeneration of the tarsus may promote eyelid laxity, the principle focus of weakness of the eyelids is at the lateral and medial canthal tendons.
The medial canthal tendon has a prominent anterior component firmly connecting the medial canthal angle to the maxillary process of the frontal bone. The posterior limb of the medial canthal tendon provides deep support to the posterior lacrimal crest. The superior branch of the medial canthal tendon also supports the canthal angle. The lateral canthal tendon has contributions from the lateral aspects of the tarsus and the preseptal and pretarsal orbicularis muscle; these insert on the inner aspect of the lateral orbital rim at the Whitnall (lateral orbital) tubercle. Posterior deep insertion of the lateral canthal tendon allows the lateral aspect of the eyelids to approximate the globe.
Provide medical therapy if surgical therapy is not warranted or not possible. Symptomatic therapy can be achieved using artificial tear ointment or drops; moisture shields also are helpful.
In addition, the lower lid can be taped back into position using either specially designed or normal skin tape.
If the conjunctiva is markedly keratinized, use a lubricating ointment or mild steroid ointment several days or weeks prior to ectropion repair. Corneal epithelial defects and prior herpes simplex infection are relative contraindications to steroid-containing ointments.
Instruct patients with tearing and incipient ectropion or early punctal ectropion to wipe the eyelids in a direction up and in (toward the nose) to avoid worsening medial ectropion.
With cicatricial ectropion following trauma or lid surgery, digital massage may help stretch the scar. If not, consider steroid injection into the scar.
In patients with seventh nerve palsy, external paste-on upper lid weights are available and can be approximately matched for different skin colors. A double-sided tape is used to apply the lid weight. Removing the lid weight at night may avoid irritation of the lid skin. External lid weights are not a good option in patients with upper lid dermatochalasis or poor manual dexterity.
Use of steroids for patients with Bell palsy remains controversial, since a high likelihood of spontaneous recovery exists. Steroid use early in the disease's course may decrease the risk of subsequent aberrant regeneration (eg, crocodile tears). Acyclovir in combination with prednisone has greater benefit than prednisone alone in Bell palsy.
Correct surgical treatment of ectropion depends on the etiology. Horizontal lid laxity often is seen with ectropion and usually can be best corrected with a lateral tarsal strip procedure. Mild-to-moderate cases of medial ectropion may respond to a medial conjunctival spindle procedure. Tarsal ectropion occasionally requires reinsertion of the lower lid retractors. Augmentation of the anterior lamellae (along with excision of any cicatrix) is required for cicatricial ectropion.
The authors recommend using a corneal protector during oculoplastic procedures. Always be wary of the remote possibility of flash burns whenever oxygen is on the surgical field. Failure to place a corneal protector may transform an elective lid repair into a much more complicated problem.
Assuring patient comfort during surgery is important. Since most cases of ectropion involve the lower lid, supplemental infraorbital nerve block is a useful adjunct to direct injection and subconjunctival injection in patients who are particularly sensitive.
Lateral tarsorrhaphy
This can be performed as a temporary "quick fix" for corneal exposure, but the author believes better surgical alternatives are available. A 4-mm lateral tarsorrhaphy yields an approximately 75% reduction in lagophthalmos. After topical anesthesia and local injection of lidocaine with epinephrine into the lateral canthus and lateral portions of upper and lower lids, split each lid laterally along the gray line with a No. 15 blade for 4 mm. First, remove a thin strip of margin conjunctiva from the posterior lamella strip of both lids using Westcott scissors, and then suture the posterior lamella together using 5-0 interrupted Vicryl sutures. The anterior lamella is brought back together with a single Vicryl suture, which is removed in 3 days.
Electrocautery
Electrocautery at the junction of conjunctiva and lower margin of the tarsus is not commonly advocated. It is used only as a temporary measure in patients who are expected to die soon and are not candidates for surgery.
Suture repair
The authors also do not advocate this temporary method of repair except as an augmenting procedure to a lateral tarsal strip to increase its power. With a heavy needle driver, pass 4-0 double-armed chromic sutures through the inferior border of the tarsus. Emerge at the skin surface near the orbital rim and tie the two arms tied together. Usually 2-3 sutures are sufficient.
Congenital ectropion
Assure corneal lubrication. If the condition does not resolve after a few days, consider placing lid margin sutures. A lateral tarsorrhaphy may be required if suture techniques do not work but be careful of iatrogenic amblyopia. More severe cases of congenital ectropion may need a skin flap or graft.
Ichthyosis is a well-described cause of congenital ectropion. It is occasionally managed conservatively with lubrication but skin grafts may be required.
Horizontal lid laxity
Horizontal lid laxity is a component of most ectropion cases, especially involutional ectropion.
There are numerous methods for correcting horizontal lid laxity. Older methods no longer used include wedge resections and the Kuhnt-Szymanowski procedure. Whenever feasible, the authors prefer a lateral canthal-tightening procedure. Surgery at the lateral canthus avoids the possibility of lid notching with noncanthal procedures and decreases the risk of trichiasis.
Lateral tarsal strip5,6
The most common variation of lateral canthal-tightening is the lateral tarsal strip procedure. The lateral canthus can be clamped prior to canthotomy, and inferior cantholysis is then performed with Westcott scissors. The lower lid should be freely mobile at this point.
Tarsal ectropion
Medial ectropion
Paralytic ectropion
Cicatricial ectropion
For lid sutures, the author prefers an antibiotic steroid combination tid such as Maxitrol (neomycin, polymyxin, bacitracin).
Applying cold compresses to the eyelids every 15 min (as tolerated) while awake decreases bruising and swelling. Frozen peas in a plastic bag are a useful alternative to traditional cloth compresses.
The author generally does not prescribe narcotics postoperatively. The patient is asked to use acetaminophen 325-650 mg PO q4h prn. Patients are asked to avoid aspirin-containing products if possible.
Patients usually are reviewed on the first postoperative day, then 5-7 days later for suture removal.
Complications are primarily related to corneal and conjunctival exposure. As listed above, these can involve conjunctival keratinization, corneal breakdown, epiphora, and pain.
Surgical complications may include bleeding, hematoma, infection, wound dehiscence, pain, and poor positioning of the tarsal strip.
Outcome and prognosis usually are excellent.
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involutional ectropion, lower lid laxity, blepharoplasty, lower lid ectropion surgery, lower lid ectropion, ectropion, epiphora, ocular irritation, eyelid laxity, punctal ectropion, medial ectropion, generalized ectropion, snap-back test, medial canthal laxity test, lateral canthal laxity test, cicatricial ectropion, lateral tarsorrhaphy, horizontal lid laxity, congenital ectropion, ichthyosis, lateral tarsal strip, LTS, tarsal ectropion, paralytic ectropion, augmented lateral tarsal strip, tarsorrhaphy
Mounir Bashour, MD, CM, FRCS(C), PhD, FACS, Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology, McGill University; Clinical Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology, Sherbrooke University; Medical Director, Cornea Laser and Lasik MD
Mounir Bashour, MD, CM, FRCS(C), PhD, FACS is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Ophthalmology, American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus, American College of International Physicians, American College of Surgeons, American Medical Association, American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, American Society of Mechanical Engineers, American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Biomedical Engineering Society, Canadian Medical Association, Canadian Ophthalmological Society, Contact Lens Association of Ophthalmologists, International College of Surgeons US Section, Ontario Medical Association, Quebec Medical Association, and Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.
Neal R Reisman, MD, JD, Chief of Plastic Surgery, St Luke's Episcopal Hospital; Clinical Professor of Plastic Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine
Neal R Reisman, MD, JD is a member of the following medical societies: American Association of Plastic Surgeons, American College of Surgeons, American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, American Society of Plastic Surgeons, Lipoplasty Society of North America, Texas Medical Association, and Texas Society of Plastic Surgeons
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.
Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD, Senior Pharmacy Editor, eMedicine
Disclosure: eMedicine Salary Employment
Jorge I de la Torre, MD, FACS, Professor of Surgery and Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Residency Program Director, Division of Plastic Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham; Director, Center for Advanced Surgical Aesthetics
Jorge I de la Torre, MD, FACS is a member of the following medical societies: American Association of Plastic Surgeons, American Burn Association, American College of Surgeons, American Medical Association, American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery, American Society for Reconstructive Microsurgery, American Society of Maxillofacial Surgeons, American Society of Plastic Surgeons, Association for Academic Surgery, and Medical Association of the State of Alabama
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.
Nicolas (Nick) G Slenkovich, MD, Director, Colorado Plastic Surgery Center
Nicolas (Nick) G Slenkovich, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, American College of Surgeons, American Medical Association, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, American Society of Plastic Surgeons, and Colorado Medical Society
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.
Lars M Vistnes, MD, FRCSC, FACS, Professor of Surgery, Emeritus, Stanford University Medical Center
Lars M Vistnes, MD, FRCSC, FACS is a member of the following medical societies: Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.
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