Classification and management of ectropion with medial canthal tendon laxity

Abstract

Purpose Lower eyelid ectropion is usually accompanied by a variable degree of medial and lateral eyelid laxity. This work investigates a clinical evaluation scheme and a surgical plan to repair ectropion associated with different stages of such associated laxity. Patients and methods Forty-two procedures on 30 patients with lower eyelid ectropion associated with variable degree of medial palpebral ligament laxity were performed on the basis of the ectropion classification and management protocol described in this work. Patients were followed up for at least 6 months postoperatively. Results Firm medial eyelid fixation against lateral traction and correction of ectropion were achieved in all cases. Epiphora was cured in 26 eyes. The planned cosmetic outcome was achieved in 28 cases. Conclusion Individualizing the surgical repair for involutional ectropion on the basis of the clinical findings is cosmetically and functionally rewarding.