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.
When the heating element is the cause of the leak from your water heater, you need to replace it. The final item to check if you notice there is leak from your water heater is the tank itself. Examine the outside and the inside of the tank for small holes or signs of rust.