Ectropion Repair

Ectropion repair

Ectropion is a common lid malposition where the lower eyelid turns outward. This can cause discomfort, redness, watering and skin irritation. Ectropion usually happens due to loosening of the eyelid muscles and ligaments over time. It is more common with age and usually affects one eye, although both eyes can be involved.

Ectropion repair surgery

Ectropion repair is a surgical procedure that tightens the eyelid and returns it to its normal position against the eye. For mild to moderate cases, this usually involves placing stitches on the skin and deeper inside the eyelid. In more severe cases, a small skin graft or flap may be needed to support the repair.
When your lid is stitched back into place, it will be tighter to your eye as it was before the sagging began, and your eye will no longer be so vulnerable to irritants.

Ectropion Repair – Why Specialist Care Matters

Eyelid surgery involves working with the delicate tissues that protect your eyes and support vision. That’s why it’s important to choose an oculoplastic surgeon – an ophthalmologist with advanced training in eyelid and orbital surgery. In the right hands, complications are uncommon and usually minor.

At Progressive Vision, your care is led by Consultant Eye Surgeon Ms. Clare Quigley. Clare combines international fellowship training in the UK and Australia with experience as a Consultant Oculoplastic Surgeon in the UK. She is known for her surgical expertise, her outstanding academic achievements, and her compassionate, patient-first approach.

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What to Expect During Ectropion Repair at Progressive Vision

The procedure is done at our Swords clinic by an Eye Doctor. You will be in the clinic for about 2 hours. If you take blood thinners, like aspirin, please let your Eye Doctor know as you may need to pause them around the time of the procedure.

Before the surgery, we will take photographs of your eye.

  • Wear loose fitting, comfortable clothing (no hoodies or thick jumpers)
  • No eye make-up
  • You can eat, drink and take your any other medication as normal.
  • Arrange a lift to and from our state of the art clinic in Swords
  • As there will be a pad over one eye and you may have oral sedation it is best to have someone drive you to and from the appointment.
  • Numbing eye drops will be used to make the eye more comfortable during the procedure. You may also be given oral sedation to help you feel relaxed.

  • Consent – you’ll sign your consent form before surgery.
  • A local anaesthetic injection is given to numb the eyelid.
  • Your eye doctor makes a small cut (incision) on the lower eyelid, typically near the outer corner.
  • Through this incision, they tighten the loose muscles and tissues and use stitches to bring the eyelid back into its normal position.
  • In more severe cases, a small skin graft may be needed.
  • The incision is closed with sutures, which are usually removed 1–2 weeks later.

  • Recovery (in clinic) – 40 minutes with cold compress, pads removed, tea/coffee, post-op instructions given.
  • After the procedure, the eye patch should remain in place overnight, unless surgery was done on both eyes; in that case, your doctor will give you specific instructions.
  • Once the patch is removed, you should apply a cold compress every 1 to 2 hours, for 15 minutes, for the first two days to help reduce swelling.
  • Use a soft cloth barrier between the ice pack and your skin.
  • Swelling and bruising usually settle over 1 to 2 weeks.
  • Post-operative care also involves gently cleaning the stitch line with boiled, cooled water and applying ointment twice daily until the stitches are removed.
  • Stitches are usually taken out 1 to 2 weeks after the surgery.
  • If you need to have a skin graft or flap, the post-op instructions will vary; this will be discussed with you.
  • You should not do any strenuous activity until the stitches have been removed.
  • This includes heavy lifting, manual work, gardening, and vigorous cleaning.
  • If you are working, please let us know, as you may need to take some time off depending on the type of job you do.

  • You will be on an antibiotic ointment twice a day for 2 weeks after the procedure until your stitches are removed.
  • You can also use preservative-free lubricating drops if your eye feels dry or irritated.

Next Steps

You don’t need a referral to see us – simply get in touch to arrange your assessment.

📞 Call us: 01 213 5652

📧 Email us: info@progressivevision.ie

Our friendly team will guide you through the booking process and answer any questions you may have.
With clinics in Sandyford and Swords, we’re here to provide expert, compassionate care that fits around your needs.

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