Ectropion

Symptoms of ectropion

Close-up of a person's eye with ectropion. The lower eyelid is red, sore-looking and turned outwards.

Ectropion mainly affects your lower eyelid and can happen in 1 or both eyelids at the same time. It's more common in older people.

The main symptoms of ectropion include:

It also means you're more likely to get infections like conjunctivitis.

Information:

There are other problems that can affect your eyelid. Find out more about eyelid problems.

Non-urgent advice: See a GP if:

  • you think you have ectropion

Urgent advice: Ask for an urgent GP appointment or get help from NHS 111 if you have:

  • very red eyes (1 or both eyes)
  • pain in your eyes
  • changes in your vision
  • sensitivity to light
  • a headache and you feel sick or are vomiting

You can call 111 or get help from 111 online.

Treatment for ectropion

A GP will be able to diagnose ectropion by examining your eye. They may refer you to an eye specialist (ophthalmologist) for further assessment.

Treatment depends on what symptoms you have and what's causing ectropion.

If your symptoms are mild, you may not need treatment.

If you cannot shut your eye properly, treatment may include:

Try to avoid wiping or rubbing your eyes too much, as this can make ectropion worse. If you need to wipe your eyes, dab them gently and carefully with a clean tissue.

Surgery for ectropion

If ectropion is causing severe symptoms, you may need surgery to tighten the skin and muscles around your eye.

Causes of ectropion

Ectropion is usually caused by aging, as the muscles around your eye become weaker.

Less commonly it can be caused by:

Page last reviewed: 17 July 2025
Next review due: 17 July 2028