Ectropion is the turning out (eversion) of the eyelid. Besides being unattractive, ectropion can cause irritation because it exposes the sensitive inner lining of the eyelids and eyeballs to irritants. It also allows drying of the eyeball due to increased tear evaporation. It may also prevent efficient spreading of the tears during the blink reflex.
Ectropion may be normal and harmless in some dogs, but abnormal and harmful in others. Causes include inherited factors, birth defects, and injuries
Ectropion is corrected by surgery, with the animal under general anesthesia.