Ectropion is a condition that results with the eyelids turning out. Childhood ectropion is rare, but the most common causes are congenital or cicatricial in nature. This can be seen in microphthalmos, buphthalmos, euryblepharon, eyelid tumors, and the blepharophimosis syndrome.
Congenital ectropion is due to insufficient eyelid skin. Cicatricial ectropion is secondary to scarring and/or loss of the skin after trauma, radiation, or prior surgery.
Treatment of ectropion consists of release of the traction by placement of either a skin graft or flap. Since congenital ectropion occurs with many other findings (i.e., euryblepharon, eyelid tumors, blepharophimosis syndrome, etc.), often other surgery needs to be performed at the same time.