PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of the lateral tarsal strip for the correction of the paralytic and involutional ectropion in Sorokdo leprosy patients. METHODS: Lateral tarsal strip operations were performed in 23 Sorokdo leprosy patients with recurrent corneal erosion and exposure keratopathy due to ectropion. Preoperative and postoperative sclera show and lagophthalmos were measured with a slit lamp, and anterior segment findings were taken at 1 week, 2 weeks and last follow up after the surgery. Postoperative subjective functional improvements were assessed at the last follow up. RESULTS: There was significant reductions between preoperative and postoperative measurements for scleral show (from 2.19 +/- 0.22 mm to 0.37 +/- 0.11 mm) and lagophthalmos (from 4.51 +/- 0.38 mm to 2.07 +/- 0.24 mm) (p<0.05). Ocular irritation symptoms including pain and tearing, and cosmetic satisfaction significantly improved after the surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Lateral tarsal strip operation is an effective surgical option in the treatment of paralytic and involutional ectropion in leprosy patients.