---
title: "Ectropion (outward-turning eyelid) | Eye Health Guide"
description: "Why a lower eyelid sags outward, how it causes watering and dry, sore eyes, and how lubricants and surgery treat ectropion."
url: https://eyehealthguide.org/conditions/ectropion/
source: Eye Health Guide
licence: "General information only. Cite the URL and the named medical reviewer."
---

Condition

# Ectropion (outward-turning eyelid)

Medical reviewer [Mr Mohamed Mohyudin](https://eyehealthguide.org/reviewers/mohamed-mohyudin/)· Last recorded site review July 6, 2026

### About this review

This page inherits the site’s previous review record. A separate, current article sign-off has not yet been recorded.

[How review works](https://eyehealthguide.org/reviewers/) · [Official biography & credentials](https://mohamedmohyudin.co.uk/author/mohamed-mohyudin/)

Quick answer

Ectropion is where the lower eyelid sags and turns outward, away from the eye. It is common with age and causes watering, dryness and irritation because the eye is not properly protected. Lubricants ease symptoms, and a minor operation to tighten the eyelid is the usual treatment.

### On this page ⌄

1. Your next step
2. What it is
3. Common symptoms
4. Causes and risk factors
5. Treatment
6. Related conditions
7. Related symptoms
8. Treatments & Surgery
9. Frequently asked questions

## What it is

In ectropion, the lower eyelid droops outward so its inner surface is exposed and the eye is not fully covered when blinking. This stops tears draining properly and leaves the surface of the eye dry and exposed. It is most common in older people.

## Common symptoms

Symptoms come from poor tear drainage and an exposed eye surface.

- Watering eyes
- Dry, gritty or sore eyes
- Redness of the eyelid and eye
- A lower eyelid that sags away from the eye

## Causes and risk factors

The most common cause is age-related weakening of the eyelid tissues. It can also result from weakness of the facial nerve, scarring of the skin around the eye, or previous surgery.

## Treatment

Lubricating drops and ointment protect the eye and ease symptoms in the short term. A minor operation to tighten and reposition the lower eyelid is the usual long-term treatment. See a clinician if the eye becomes very red, painful, or your vision changes.

## Related conditions

## Related symptoms

## Treatments & Surgery

## Frequently asked questions

### What causes ectropion?

The most common cause is age-related weakening of the tissues that hold the lower eyelid in place. It can also follow facial nerve weakness, scarring, or previous surgery.

### How is ectropion treated?

Lubricating drops protect the eye, and a minor operation to tighten the lower eyelid usually corrects it for the long term.

### Why does ectropion make my eyes water?

When the lower lid sags away from the eye, tears cannot drain into their normal channel, so they overflow and the eye waters even though the surface may also feel dry.

Your next step

## Take this to your appointment

Write down what has changed, when it started, your current medicines and the questions you want answered. Take these to your eye-care appointment.

Sudden loss of sight, severe eye pain or a dark curtain across vision needs immediate assessment. Do not wait to complete a worksheet.

## Sources for this information

These references support the information on this page. Follow the linked source for its full context.

- [Moorfields Eye Hospital - Ectropion (PDF)](https://www.moorfields.nhs.uk/mediaLocal/nmokyi2m/ectropion_1.pdf)