Eyelid Disorders Health Article

Definition

An eyelid disorder is any abnormal condition that affects the eyelids.

Description

Eyelids consist of thin folds of skin, muscle, and connective tissue. The eyelids protect the eyes and spread tears over the front of the eyes. The inside of the eyelids are lined with the conjunctiva of the eyelid (the palpebral conjunctiva), and the outside of the lids are covered with the body's thinnest skin. Some common lid problems include the following: stye, blepharitis, chalazion, entropion, ectropion, eyelid edema, and eyelid tumors.

Stye

Styes are treated with warm-hot compresses for 10–15 minutes, three to four times a day. Sometimes topical antibiotics may be prescribed. If the initial treatment is ineffective, styes are lanced and drained.

Chalazion

About 25% of chalazia will disappear spontaneously, but hot compresses may speed the process. Because chalazia are inside the lid, topical medications are generally of no benefit. Medication may need to be injected by the doctor into the chalazion or if that doesn't help the chalazion may need to be excised. If what appears to be a chalazion recurs on the same site as any previous one, the possibility of sebaceous gland carcinoma should be investigated by biopsy.

Blepharitis

Blepharitis is treated with hot compresses, with antibiotic ointment, and by cleaning the eyelids with a moist washcloth and then with baby shampoo. Good hygiene is essential. If the blepharitis doesn't clear up with treatment or if it seems to be a chronic problem, the patient may have acnerosacea. These patients may need to see a dermatologist as well.

Entropion

Entropion usually results from aging, but sometimes can be due to a congenital defect, a spastic eyelid muscle, or a scar on the inside of the lid that could be from surgery, injury, or disease. It is accompanied by excessive tearing, redness, and discomfort.

Ectropion

Similar to entropion, the usual cause of ectropion is aging. It also can be due to a spastic eyelid muscle or a scar, as in entropion. It also can be the result of allergies. Symptoms are excessive tearing and hardening of the eyelid conjunctiva.