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The Medical Eye Clinic,
Glen House,
Sigford Road,
Matford Park,
Exeter, EX2 8NL
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01392 829436
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Eyelid Conditions
Common eyelid condtions
Eyelid Lesions or Cysts
Lumps in the eyelids (eyelid lesions) are very common and have a variety of causes, ranging from harmless (benign) cysts to cancerous (malignant cells) lesions.
Different types of eyelid lesions or cysts
There are many different types of lumps and bumps which can grow on or around your eyelids:
- Comedone
- Pyogenic granuloma
- Seborrheic keratosis
- Keratin horn
- Actinic keratosis
- Xanthelasma
- Meibomian cysts / Chalazion
- Skin tags
- Squamous papilloma
- Benign Naevus
You may need to have your lesion surgically removed for functional reasons (e.g. to improve your vision) or to identify the cause of the lesion.
Ectropion
Ectropion is the medical term used to describe an outward turning of the lower eyelid. The majority of ectropia are caused by the laxity of the tissues of the eyelid as a result of the natural ageing process. As we get older the eyelid stretches and becomes floppy allowing it to turn out. It can also be caused as a result of sun damage to the cheek skin, causing it to contract and pull the eyelid down. This condition is known as a cicatricial (scarring) ectropion and is common in Devon due to the large amount of sun exposure we experience.
What are the Symptoms of Ectropion?
Ectropion can lead to excessive tearing, redness, mucous discharge and irritation of the eye. There is also a chance of damage to the surface of the eye.
What is the Treatment for Ectropion?
An operation is usually needed to treat ectropion.
Entropion
Entropion is the medical term used to describe an inward turning of the lower eyelid.
The majority of Entropia is caused by the laxity of the tissues of the eyelid as a result of the natural ageing process. The eyelid becomes unstable and can turn inwards causing the eyelashes to rub on the front surface of the eye. This can be very uncomfortable and therefore needs treatment.
Occasionally, scarring of the inside of the lid can also pull the eyelid inwards, however, this is quite rare.
What are the Symptoms of Entropion?
Entropion can lead to a foreign body sensation in the eye, excessive tearing, redness and mucous discharge. There is also a chance of damage to the surface of the eye.
What is the Treatment for Entropion?
An operation is usually needed to treat entropion.
Ptosis – Droopy eyelid
Ptosis (pronounced toe–sys) is a drooping of the upper eyelid. A droopy eyelid can cause blurring of vision. It can affect the superior field of vision causing patients to raise their eyebrows constantly (leading to headaches) or tipping their head back in an attempt to gain clear vision. It can also become a cosmetic issue, affecting a person’s self-esteem.
What are the Causes of Ptosis?
The most common cause for ptosis in adults is gradual, age-related stretching of the aponeurosis tendon known as involutional ptosis. Other causes of Ptosis include:
- Long term contact lens wear can cause ptosis, perhaps because repeated insertion and removal of the lens causes stretching of the tissues.
- Sometimes ptosis follows other eye surgery or an injury.
- The lid may droop due to a problem in the nerve supply to the levator muscle (which lifts the lid)
- Congenital ptosis (present since birth) is usually due to an underdeveloped levator muscle
An operation is usually required to treat Ptosis.
Dermatochalasis – What are the Causes of Excess Upper Eyelid Skin?
Excess skin can often occur due to ageing changes. The eyelid appearance may also be typical for your family. Chronic exposure to sunlight and cigarette smoking can also worsen natural aging changes to the eyelid. Sometimes episodes of swelling of the eyelid due to infection or allergy may also stretch the skin.
Dermatochalasis can be treated by a blepharoplasty operation.
Blepharitis
Blepharitis is a condition characterised by inflammation of the eyelid margins and dysfunction of the oil glands (Meibomian glands) in the eyelid. It usually affects both eyes and although it is not serious, it can cause troublesome symptoms.
What is the cause?
Usually a blockage of the Meibomian glands and a low-grade infection of the eyelid margins. It is also more common in people with eczema or other allergic conditions.
What are the signs and symptoms?
- Red, crusty eyelids
- Gritty, sore eyes
- Red eyes
- Irritable, burning eyes