Ectropion
Another serious eye problem, ectropion, is where the lower eyelids are turned outward, making the eyes prone to irritation. Older adults are prone to this eye condition as their body and facial tissues weaken. Skin will become saggy and loose, making the eyelids stretched out. An eye or two can have this eye issue, but it is not contagious.
If a person is experiencing ectropion, their eyes may have difficulty distributing the right amount of tears that serve as a lubricant to the eyes’ surface. As a result, its puncta (tear duct opening) will not function as a draining system of the tears; thus, signs and symptoms may manifest.
Too much tearing is one of the symptoms of ectropion. Tears may constantly come out without proper drainage and might not be equally distributed to the eyes. It also leads to eye dryness (lack of lubrication) as its second common symptom. A burning sensation can also be felt, and redness of the eyes is also a symptom. Irritation of the eyes caused by dust and bacteria easily entering through the turned eyelids is a contributing factor.
