What does ectropion mean?
Ectropion is a medical term for the outward turning or eversion of an eyelid, most often the lower one, so that its inner surface becomes exposed to the air instead of resting against the eye. The condition prevents the lid from closing properly and disrupts tear drainage, producing symptoms such as persistent watering, dryness, redness, and irritation, and in severe cases it can damage the cornea. Ectropion occurs most commonly in older adults as the tissues of the eyelid lose tone, but it may also follow scarring, facial paralysis such as Bell's palsy, or previous surgery; these forms are described as involutional, cicatricial, or paralytic respectively. Treatment ranges from lubricating drops to surgical tightening of the lid. The word derives from the Greek root 'trepein', meaning to turn, making it essentially the opposite of entropion, where the lid rolls inward.
nounA medical condition in which the margin of an eyelid, usually the lower lid, turns outward away from the surface of the eye, exposing the inner lining and causing excessive tearing and irritation.
- (Ophthalmology) An eversion of the margin of an eyelid, typically the lower lid, away from the eyeball, resulting in exposure of the conjunctiva and impaired tear drainage.
"The elderly patient's ectropion left her lower eyelid sagging outward, so her eyes watered constantly in the wind."
"Age-related laxity of the tissues is the most common cause of ectropion in older adults."
"Following facial surgery, a mild ectropion developed on his right side and was corrected with a minor procedure."
The plural is regular but rare; clinicians more often speak of 'cases of ectropion' or describe the affected lid(s) individually.
"Bilateral ectropions were noted in the patient following facial nerve injury."
Ectropion comes from the same Greek root as 'heliotrope' — the flower that 'turns' toward the sun — except here it's your eyelid doing the turning, in entirely the wrong direction.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of ectropion
Ectropion entered English from New Latin, itself adapted from Greek 'ektropion', meaning an eversion or turning outward, formed from 'ek-' (out) plus 'tropos' or 'trephein' (to turn). It shares this turning root with words such as trope, tropic, and heliotrope, and it stands in deliberate contrast to entropion, built on 'en-' (inward), which denotes the inward-turning eyelid. The term has been part of English medical vocabulary since at least the early nineteenth century.
How ectropion is actually used
Strictly a clinical term used in ophthalmology and general medicine; it rarely appears outside medical contexts. It carries no figurative or informal use.
Easily confused with ectropion
Entropion is the opposite condition, in which the eyelid turns inward so the lashes rub against the eye.