Eversion of the lower eyelid.Encyclopedia Entry for Ectropion :Ectropion. Ectropion is very often caused by the aging process. The connective (supporting) tissue of the eyelid becomes weak. This causes the lid to turn out so that the side of the lower lid is no longer against the eyeball. It can also be caused by: A defect that occurs before birth (for example, in children with Down syndrome ) Facial palsy Scar tissue from burns.Symptoms include: Dry, painful eyes Excess tearing of the eye ( epiphora ) Eyelid turns outward (downward) Long-term (chronic) conjunctivitis Keratitis Redness of the lid and white part of the eye If you have ectropion, you will most likely have excess tearing. This happens because the eye gets dry, then makes more tears. The excess tears can't get into the tear drainage duct. Therefore, they build up inside the lower lid and then spill over the edge of the lid onto the cheek.The health care provider will make a diagnosis by doing an exam of the eyes and eyelids. Special tests are not needed most of the time.Artificial tears (a lubricant) may ease dryness and keep the cornea moist. Ointment may be helpful when the eye can't close all of the way, such as when you are asleep. Surgery is very often effective. The surgeon will tighten the muscles that hold the eyelids in place. It may be done as outpatient surgery setting. A medicine is used to numb the area (local anesthesia) before the surgery.The outcome very often good with treatment.Corneal dryness and irritation may lead to: Corneal abrasions Corneal ulcers Eye infections Corneal ulcers can cause vision loss.Call your provider if you have symptoms of ectropion. If you have ectropion, get emergency medical help if you have: Vision that is getting worse Pain Sensitivity to light Eye redness that is getting worse quickly.Most cases are cannot be prevented. You may use artificial tears or ointments to prevent injury to the cornea. .Eye Eye.Belliveau MJ, Vargason CW, Burkat CN, Marcet MM, Belliveau MJ, Goel S. Ectropion. American Academy of Ophthalmology Web site. Updated November 17, 2015. eyewiki.aao.org/Ectropion#Etiology. Accessed September 8, 2016. Cahill KV, Doxanas MT. Eyelid abnormalities: ectropion, entropion, trichiasis.