Ectropion refers to:

Ectropion is a condition characterized by the outward turning of the eyelid, which can lead to exposure of the inner eyelid and potentially result in irritation, dryness, and increased risk of infection. This outward displacement can affect the function of the eyelid, resulting in increased tear drainage and inadequate protection for the eyeball itself. It is important to distinguish ectropion from related conditions such as entropion, which involves the inward turning of the eyelid.

The other choices refer to different ocular conditions: an inward turning of the eyelid is described by entropion; loss of visual accommodation relates to the eye's ability to focus on near objects, often seen in aged individuals; and a defect in eye refraction pertains to issues such as myopia or hyperopia, which affect how light is focused on the retina. Each of these conditions has distinct characteristics and implications for eye health, but ectropion specifically pertains to the outward displacement of the eyelid.