Other causes of ectropion are scarring, burns, trauma (called cicatricial ectropion), spasm of the orbicularis muscle, which may affect either the upper or lower eyelid, or paralysis of the orbicularis muscle in which only the lower eyelid is affected.
It is possible that there is nothing wrong with your water heater. There is a pressure relief valve on top that may be releasing water because your primary water pressure reduction valve for the house is worn out. The fact that the leak is intermittent suggests this.
A typical hot water heater connects to two pipes -- a cold water supply line and a hot water line. The pipes often have elbow joints so they can bend toward the water heater. Either of these water lines can leak, particularly at the joints. If water sprays from a fitting or pipe, the problem is clear. A dripping pipe or joint is less noticeable.