O OftalmopediaAn open ophthalmology reference

Ectropion

AI overview

Ectropion is a medical condition in which the lower eyelid turns outwards.

Key points
  • It is one of the notable aspects of newborns exhibiting congenital harlequin-type ichthyosis
    source quote
    It is one of the notable aspects of newborns exhibiting congenital harlequin-type ichthyosis
  • Ectropion can occur due to any weakening of tissue of the lower eyelid
    source quote
    ectropion can occur due to any weakening of tissue of the lower eyelid
  • The condition can be repaired surgically
    source quote
    The condition can be repaired surgically
  • Ectropion is also found in dogs as an inherited, developmental condition
    source quote
    Ectropion is also found in dogs as an inherited, developmental condition
  • Causes include congenital factors, aging, scarring, mechanical factors, allergic reactions, facial nerve palsy, and anti-cancer treatments that block EGFR
    source quote
    The following are the causes: [ citation needed ] Congenital Aging Scarring Mechanical Allergic Facial nerve palsy Anti-cancer treatments such as erlotinib, cetuximab, and panitumumab, which block the function of EGFR
  • Predisposed dog breeds include Bloodhound, Saint Bernard, Great Dane, Newfoundland, Mastiff, some Spaniel species, and some French hunting breeds
    source quote
    Predisposed breeds are the Bloodhound , Saint Bernard , Great Dane , Newfoundland dog , Mastiff , some Spaniel species, and some French hunting breeds
  • Ectropion is considered a desirable trait by some breeders due to the facial expression it creates
    source quote
    Ectropion is considered a desirable trait by some breeders due to the facial expression ectropion creates
Symptoms
  • Often the condition has no symptoms
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    Often the condition has no symptoms
  • When the lower lid impacts lacrimation the eye is not able to be lubricated
    source quote
    when the lower lid impacts lacrimation the eye is not able to be lubricated
  • Exposure to irritants such as bacteria and dust can cause secondary conjunctivitis
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    exposure to irritants (e.g. bacteria, dust) causing secondary conjunctivitis
Treatment
  • The condition can be repaired surgically
    source quote
    The condition can be repaired surgically
  • Lubricating the eye can resolve symptoms in dogs
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    simply lubricating the eye can resolve the symptoms
  • In severe cases surgery is required
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    In severe cases surgery is required
AI-synthesized from the Wikipedia article “Ectropion”. Not medical advice. Verify source →
Ectropion
Cycatricial ectropion of lower lids caused by burns of the eyelids and face – eyes open
SpecialtyOphthalmology 
Cycatricial ectropion – closed eyes

Ectropion is a medical condition in which the lower eyelid turns outwards.[1] 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. The condition can be repaired surgically. Ectropion is also found in dogs as an inherited, developmental condition.[2]

The following are the causes:[citation needed]

  • Congenital
  • Aging
  • Scarring
  • Mechanical
  • Allergic
  • Facial nerve palsy
  • Anti-cancer treatments such as erlotinib, cetuximab, and panitumumab, which block the function of EGFR (the epidermal growth factor receptor).

Ectropion is considered a desirable trait by some breeders

Ectropion in dogs usually involves the lower eyelid, with cicatricial upper eyelid eversion occurring following trauma or chronic inflammation. Often the condition has no symptoms, but when the lower lid impacts lacrimation the eye is not able to be lubricated and exposure to irritants (e.g. bacteria, dust) causing secondary conjunctivitis. Ectropion is typically congenital, with it being breed-related and hereditary. Predisposed breeds are the Bloodhound, Saint Bernard, Great Dane, Newfoundland dog, Mastiff, some Spaniel species, and some French hunting breeds. Ectropion is considered a desirable trait by some breeders due to the facial expression ectropion creates. Surgical correction is typically not required and simply lubricating the eye can resolve the symptoms. In severe cases surgery is required.[3]

  1. "Ectropion". Elements of Morphology. National Human Genome Research Institute. Retrieved 2022-10-30.
  2. Gelatt, Kirk N. (2007). Veterinary Ophthalmology. Gainesville, Florida: Blackwell Publishing. p. 378. ISBN 978-0-7817-6657-9.
  3. Gelatt, Kirk N.; Plummer, Caryn E. (2022-08-12). Essentials of Veterinary Ophthalmology. Wiley. pp. 239–269. doi:10.1002/9781119801368.ch6. ISBN 978-1-119-80132-0.