Ectropion can lead to which corneal finding?

Ectropion can lead to which corneal finding?

• A. Superior SPK
• B. Corneal edema
• C. Inferior SPK
• D. Diffuse conjunctival injection

Answer: (C)

Ectropion exposes the lower cornea to the dry tear film and environmental irritants because the lower lid pull lies away from the globe. This chronic exposure most severely affects the inferior corneal surface, leading to epithelial damage that shows up as punctate keratitis there. The inferior cornea is the area most affected by this exposure, so you see inferior SPK. Superior SPK would imply exposure of the upper part of the cornea, which isn’t typical with a lower lid malposition. Corneal edema isn’t the usual pattern for chronic lid malposition, and diffuse conjunctival injection reflects conjunctival irritation rather than a corneal surface problem.

Ectropion exposes the lower cornea to the dry tear film and environmental irritants because the lower lid pull lies away from the globe. This chronic exposure most severely affects the inferior corneal surface, leading to epithelial damage that shows up as punctate keratitis there. The inferior cornea is the area most affected by this exposure, so you see inferior SPK. Superior SPK would imply exposure of the upper part of the cornea, which isn’t typical with a lower lid malposition. Corneal edema isn’t the usual pattern for chronic lid malposition, and diffuse conjunctival injection reflects conjunctival irritation rather than a corneal surface problem.