Have you ever stopped to think about the role of your eyelids? If you look at them closely, you'll start to realise how they protect your eyes. Every time something comes towards you, your eyelids close to protect against possible injuries and trauma. They are also what help spread moisture over your eyes when you blink.
Unfortunately, in addition to their functions, eyelids are also prone to various diseases. Also known as eyelid disease, they can be of several types and cause various symptoms. Read on to know all about them.
Also Read: Blurry Nights And Constant Prescription Changes? It Could Be Keratoconus
What Is Eyelid Disease?
“Eyelid disease refers to conditions affecting the eyelids,” explains Dr Madhusmita Behera, Senior Consultant - Department of Cataract, Orbit and Oculoplastic Surgery, Rotary Techno Nethralaya, Sector V. They can cause discomfort, vision problems, and cosmetic concerns.
These conditions could be:
- Inflammatory/infectious diseases like blepharitis, styes, chalazion, and cellulitis
- Structural/Malposition – Drooping of eyelid, trichiasis, entropion, ectropion and lagophthalmos
- Growth/Tumours – benign and malignant tumours
- Xanthelasma
- Blepharospasm
- Allergic dermatitis
According to StatPearls Publishing, blepharitis is estimated to affect between 37% and 47% of patients treated by eye care specialists in the US, making it one of the most common ocular disorders seen in clinical practice.
Other most common benign inflammatory lesions include chalazion and pyogenic granuloma. Infectious lesions include verruca vulgaris, molluscum contagiosum, and hordeolum. Benign neoplastic lesions include squamous cell papilloma, epidermal inclusion cyst, dermoid/epidermoid cyst, acquired melanocytic nevus, seborrhoeic keratosis, hidrocystoma, cyst of Zeiss, and xanthelasma.
What Causes Eyelid Disease?
The causes of eye disease may vary, as it encompasses various conditions.
These include bacterial or viral infections, clogged oil glands, allergic reactions to cosmetics or solutions, skin conditions like rosacea and seborrhoeic dermatitis (dandruff), parasites, high cholesterol, and ageing.
Structural problems and muscle issues, such as drooping eyelids, can be caused by ageing, genetics, or issues with the eyelid's lifting muscles.
Symptoms Of Eyelid Disease
Just like the causes, the symptoms also depend on eyelid conditions. These include:
- Stye: painful red swelling, tender to touch
- Chalazion: a painless lump inside the eyelid
- Blepharitis: red, itchy eyelids with crusts and a burning and gritty sensation
- Ptosis: drooping of eyelid
- Entropion: eyelid turns inward, watering, irritation and redness
- Ectropion: eyelid turns outward, watering, irritation
- Trichiasis: misdirected eyelashes – redness, watering and foreign body sensation
- Dermatitis: swelling, itching, redness, flaking of eyelid skin
- Eyelid lumps: benign, slow-growing, and usually painless
- Malignant: nonhealing ulcer, distortion of eyelid margin
- Blepharospasm: repeated involuntary blinking and eyelid spasm
Also Read: You Wash Your Face But Not Your Eyelids? Here’s Why That Might Be A Problem
Treatment Options For Eyelid Disease
According to Dr Behera, treatment options for eyelid disease vary depending on the condition.
“They may include warm compresses, eyelid hygiene, antibiotics, anti-inflammatory medications, or surgery. For example, blepharitis may be treated with lid scrubs and topical antibiotics, while entropion or ectropion may require surgical correction,” she shares.
How To Prevent Eyelid Disease
Preventing eyelid infections and complications involves practising good eyelid hygiene, including regular cleaning and avoiding sharing makeup or contact lenses. Protecting the eyes from irritants, managing underlying conditions like rosacea, and seeking prompt medical attention for symptoms can also help prevent complications.
Conclusion
Eyelid disease is not one specific disease but encompasses a group of conditions, including blepharitis, styes, chalazion, and eyelid tumours. The causes, symptoms, and treatment options can vary depending on the condition you have. The key is to recognise the symptoms and consult with a doctor. Only after a confirmed diagnosis can medical experts treat the condition.