Eyelid retraction is a condition where the lid moves away from the central surface of the eye.  Think of a windshield wiper on a car that is bent outward so it no longer touches the glass.  This condition can be irritating in that the lid no longer functions to clean and lubricate the surface of the eye and is caused by scarring from previous surgery, thyroid disease, but is usually simply a loss of eyelid tightness with the normal aging process.  Treatment of retraction involves a surgical procedure in which the eyelid is tightened.  Treatment of more severe cases may require implanting a graft from the ear or other sources as a spacer to extend and reposition the lid against the eye.