What do patients with ectropion typically report?

Patients with ectropion, a condition where the eyelid turns outward, often report symptoms such as irritation, redness, and tearing of the eyes. The outward turning of the eyelid prevents proper distribution of tears across the surface of the eye, which can lead to discomfort and inflammation. Consequently, these patients frequently experience excessive tearing as a response to the irritation caused by exposure of the conjunctival surface to air and environmental irritants. The tearing occurs even though the eye may feel dry due to inadequate tear coverage. This aligns with the symptoms described in the correct choice, highlighting the relationship between ectropion and ocular symptoms like irritation and tearing.