Ectropion
Consultant-led treatment from Mr Hooman Sherafat, with precision care and personal support at every step.
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Overview
Ectropion at The London Eye Clinic
Ectropion are conditions that affect your eyelid. Ectropion is where your eyelid turns out and is not in full contact with the eye.
Mr Sherafat will assess you and tell you if surgery is suitable for you. The information will give you information about the benefits and risks to help you make an informed decision. If you have any questions that are not covered here, ask Mr Sherafat or contact his office via his Practice Manager.
Symptoms
Why you might consider ectropion correction surgery
- Watering or discharging eye
- Discomfort of the eye
- Concerns about appearance
About
About Ectropion
How does Ectropion happen?
The problem is usually caused by ageing. As you get older, your skin and soft tissues of your eyelids slacken. Similar to a tennis net which is not tight at the ends and will sag in one direction or another, the lid margin will turn outward. Infrequently, the problem is caused by scar tissue on the skin of the eyelid pulling the lid margin outwards and away from the eyeball. Ectropion can cause irritation of your eye and eyelid, leading to symptoms such as an unsightly appearance, a watery eye, discomfort, foreign body sensation, grittiness, discharge, dryness or redness.
What are the benefits of surgery?
Patients opt to undergo surgery either because the eye is watering, although ectropion may not be the only reason for a watery eye or concerns about the appearance or discomfort
Are there any alternatives to surgery?
There are no permanent alternative treatments, but the symptoms can be managed to an extent. Artificial tears and ointments can be used and may relieve some of the discomfort.
What will happen if I decide not to have the operation?
With ectropion the symptoms which you are presenting with will persist. Whist these symptoms may not be desirable, they are unlikely to cause any permanent harm to the eye.
Treatment
Information on the procedure
The operation is usually performed under a local anaesthetic that is injected in your eyelid as a daycase. However, various other anaesthetic techniques are possible, including sedation and even general anaesthesia. Mr Sherafat will discuss the options with you and recommend the best form of anaesthesia for you.
The operation takes around 30 minutes for each side and typically entails a tightening of the lower eyelid by shortening it at the outer corner. Less commonly other techniques need to be employed depending on the cause.
Patient Journey
What you can expect under our care
Consultation & Examination
The operation is usually performed under a local anaesthetic that is injected in your eyelid as a daycase. Mr Sherafat will discuss the options with you and recommend the best form of anaesthesia for you.
Your Procedure
The operation takes around 30 minutes for each side and typically entails a tightening of the lower eyelid by shortening it at the outer corner.
Recovery & Follow-up
You will be given a follow up appointment on discharge as Mr Sherafat will want you to come back to the clinic to check on your progress. It usually takes a few weeks for your eyelid to look and feel more natural.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions we are asked
Got a question that’s not covered here?
Just get in touch with our friendly team we’re happy to help and always here to talk through your options.
Contact usMost medications should be taken as usual. If you take any blood thinners, it would be preferred for these to be discontinued only after consultation with the prescribing physician, to be sure it is safe and acceptable to do so.
After the operation you will be transferred to the recovery area and then to the Day Case Unit. You should be able to go home after a few hours
- A responsible adult should collect you from the hospital in a car or taxi and stay with you ideally for 24 hours. You should have access to a telephone in case of an emergency
- You may have a pad on your eye and Mr Sherafat will discuss the use of ice-packs on your eyelid to reduce any bruising or swelling
- It is common to have a watery eye and to feel grittiness in your eye for 1-2 days. The eye can appear bruised and feel sore, tight and uncomfortable. You will be given lubricating eye drops to help ease the discomfort
- If you are worried about anything whilst in hospital or at home, please contact Mr Sherafat via his office or Parkside Hospital who should be able to reassure you or identify and treat any complication
Returning to normal activities
- If you have had sedation, do not drive, operate machinery or do any potentially dangerous activities (this includes cooking) for at least 24 hours and not until you have fully recovered with feeling happy to do so. If you had sedation you should also not sign legal documents or drink alcohol for at least 24 hours.
- Do not get your eyelid wet, do strenuous exercise or bend down for one week. Sleep with an extra pillow to keep your head raised. Be gentle with your eyelid for at least two weeks.
- Do not wear eye make-up for one week
- If you have discontinued your anticoagulants for the surgery, you can restart them from the next day.
- Do not drive until you are confident about controlling your vehicle and if in doubt, check your insurance policy
You will be given a follow up appointment on discharge as Mr Sherafat will want you to come back to the clinic to check on your progress. It usually takes a few weeks for your eyelid to look and feel more natural.
Whilst complications are uncommon, unfortunately they can happen. Some of these can be serious. You should ask Mr Sherafat if there is anything you do not understand.
Complications of any operation
- Failure
- Persistence of watering
- Pain is usually only mild and easily controlled with simple painkillers such as Paracetamol.
- Infection of the surgical site (wound).
- Bleeding during or after the operation. Any bleeding is usually minimal. Your eye may look bruised and your eyelid may swell but this usually settles within a few days.
- Asymmetric appearance of eyelid. This is typically more obvious in the early post-operative period and tends to improve in time, but may persist.
- Cornea abrasion
- Lid notch or scarring
- Wound dehiscence
- Recurrence
- Exaggeration of hooded appearance of upper lids in this with pre-existing hooding of eyelids
- Cosmetic problems. It is difficult to predict exactly how your wounds will heal. Although you will be able to see the scars at first, they will usually fade after four to six months
Simply visit our contact page and use any of the methods on that page to contact us to get a consultation booked in at a time and location to suit you.
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Whether you’re looking for more information or want to take the next step, our friendly team is here to help and happy to talk things through with you.
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Why Choose Us
Reasons Our Patients Trust Us with their eyes.
Our patients know that they are cared for and listened to. We take the time to provide clear information about all available options, along with the benefits and risks of each. This approach gives every patient the confidence to make informed choices about their treatment, knowing they are supported every step of the way.
Putting the patient first
At The London Eye Clinic, patient care is at the heart of everything we do. Hooman is known for his caring, transparent approach, taking the time to understand each person’s individual needs and creating treatment plans that are compassionate, thorough, and patient-centred . From leading the Best Interest Ophthalmology Service for patients with learning difficulties to offering clear guidance on surgical and non-surgical options, his focus is always on doing what’s right for the patient.
Advanced eye care treatment
With extensive training at leading London hospitals, including St George’s, Guy’s and St Thomas’, and Moorfields. Hooman brings advanced expertise in oculoplastic, lacrimal, and reconstructive surgery alongside general ophthalmology. The London Eye Clinic offers a wide range of treatments, from cataract operations to delicate eyelid procedures, delivered with the latest techniques and the highest standards of care. Whether routine or complex, every treatment is carried out with precision and attention to detail.
Over 20 years of experience
Since qualifying in 1992, Hooman has gained over two decades of experience treating thousands of patients. His work is recognised not only in the UK but also internationally, performing cataract operations in Ghana, Bangladesh, and Burma, and being invited to the House of Lords in recognition of his support for the visually impaired. This depth of experience gives patients confidence that they are in safe, capable hands.
Testimonials
What Are Patients Saying?
Real stories from patients who trusted their eyes to Hooman Sherafat.
Exceeding all my expectations
I recently underwent ptosis treatment and corrective surgery with Mr Hooman Sherafat, and the experience exceeded all my expectations. From our first consultation, Mr Sherafat’s expertise and warmth put me completely at ease. He explained every step in detail, instilling total confidence in his abilities. His exemplary bedside manner, coupled with his team’s unwavering professionalism and kindness, made the entire process seamless and reassuring. The surgery itself was flawless, and the results have been life-changing. My eyelid was perfectly corrected, restoring both my appearance and my confidence. If you are considering this procedure, I wholeheartedly urge you to trust Mr Sherafat; his skill and dedication are truly exceptional.
Ptosis Repair Patient
Clearer, Brighter and the Colours are Wonderful
I just don’t know how to thank you for my improved eye sight. Everything is clearer, brighter and the colours are wonderful! Of course, I was a little fearful of the operation, but I had great confidence in you. The actual procedure was totally painless. The right eye could not have been more comfortable; in the left eye I had some very slight discomfort. Two days later the right eye was perfect and there was some ‘grittiness’ in the left; after one week both eyes are excellent.
ST, Cataract Patient
Thorough & Honest
After to meeting Mr Sherafat straight away I knew he was the right consultant for me. He was thorough & honest. My surgery was painless and I was constantly out at ease & informed of what was happening by him & his team. My results are very pleasing, exactly what I wanted natural & symmetrical. I couldn’t have asked for a better experience or better results. I have already recommended him to 3 people & one has already booked after seeing my results.
Blepharoplasty Batient
Professionalism gave me the utmost confidence
Mr Sherafat is obviously a very experienced eye surgeon and his manner and professionalism gave me the utmost confidence in proceeding with my operation.
Entropion Repair Patient
View the World in its Full Glory
Thank you for enabling me to once more view the world in its full glory. I am enjoying it immensely apart from discovering that I have more wrinkles than I had realised! However, a very tiny price to pay for full vision again.
AD, Cataract Surgery Patient