It is a medical condition in which the lower eyelid turns outwards leaves the inner eyelid surface exposed and prone to irritation.It is one of the notable aspects of newborns exhibiting congenital Harlequin-type ichthyosis, but ectropion can occur due to any weakening of tissue of the lower eyelid.

Ectropion is more common in older adults, and it generally affects only the lower eyelid. In severe ectropion, the entire length of the eyelid is turned out. In less severe ectropion, only one segment of the eyelid sags away from the eye.

Symptoms of Ectropion

Normally when we blink,our eyelids distribute tears evenly across our eyes, keeping the surfaces of the eyes lubricated. These tears drain into small openings on the inner part of our eyelids (puncta).

If someone have ectropion, their lower lid pulls away from our eye and tears do not drain properly into the puncta.

The resulting signs and symptoms can include:

• Watery eyes (excessive tearing)
• Excessive dryness.
• Irritation.
• Sensitivity to light.
• Dry, painful eyes
• Excess tearing of the eye (epiphora)
• Eyelid turns outward
• Long-term (chronic) conjunctivitis
• Keratitis
• Redness of the lid and white part of the eye.
• Rapidly increasing redness in your eyes
• Decreasing vision

Causes of Ectropion

• Muscle weakness.
• Facial paralysis.
• Scars or previous surgeries.
• Eyelid growths.
• Genetic disorders.
• Congenital
• Aging
• Scarring
• Mechanical
• Allergic 
• Facial nerve palsy
• Anti-cancer treatments

Risk factors of Ectropion

Factors that increase your risk of developing ectropion include:

• Age. The most common cause of ectropion is weakening muscle tissue associated with aging.
• Previous eye surgeries. People who have had eyelid surgery are at higher risk of developing ectropion later.
• Previous cancer, burns or trauma. If one have had spots of skin cancer on their face, facial burns or trauma,they are at higher risk of developing ectropion.

Complications of Ectropion

Ectropion leaves our cornea irritated and exposed, making it more susceptible to drying. The result can be abrasions and ulcers on the cornea, which can threaten our vision.

• Corneal dryness and irritation may lead to:
• Corneal abrasions
• Corneal ulcers
• Eye infections
• Corneal ulcers can threaten vision.

Diagnosis of Ectropion

Ectropion can usually be diagnosed with a routine eye exam and physical. our doctor may pull on our eyelids during the exam or ask us to close eyes forcefully. This helps him or her assess each eyelid's muscle tone and tightness.

If ectropion is caused by a scar, tumor, previous surgery or radiation,our doctor will examine the surrounding tissue as well.

Homeopathic Treatment of Ectropion

Homeopathic treatment depend upon symptoms totality like burning, itching, swelling, sensitivity to light, pain and redness in the eyes. Homeopathic treatment for watery eyes aims at treating the cause leading to the problem to ensure complete recovery.

Euphrasia : Very useful medicine for watery eyes when the eyes are constantly watering all day.There is feeling of pressure  in the eyes with burning and itching.Also helpful for watery eyes resulting from inflammation of the conjunctiva.

Natrum Mur : Effective for watery eyes which is caused due to stricture of the lachrymal duct.There is feeling of wet all the time and tears may even roll over on to the face.Recommended for burning and smarting sensation in the eyes.There is cloudiness and a sandy feeling in these eyes.

Silicea : Very useful medicine for newborns with watery eyes resulting from the swelling or stricture of the lachrymal duct.

Pulsatilla : Very useful medicine for watery eyes caused due to catarrhal conjunctivitis.There is profuse flow of tears accompanied by burning and itching in the eyes.There is feeling of sand and pressure on the eyes.

Allium Cepa : Useful for watery eyes when the flow of tears is bland or non-irritating.Also useful  in allergic cases where the nasal discharge is very acrid, burning and is accompanied by a profuse and bland flow of tears.

Apis Mel : Very useful for swollen, red, œdematous, everted, inflamed lids with burn and sting.Useful for hot lachrymation hot with sudden piercing pains.Also usefuul for photophobia.

Argentum Nitricum : Useful for swollen inner canthi with spots before the vision.Useful for photophobia in warm room.Also useful for Purulent ophthalmia.Useful for aching, tired feeling in eyes, better closing or pressing upon them.Very useful in restoring power to the weakened ciliary muscles.