Eyelid disorders
Entropion
Overview: What is an ‘entropion’? An entropion refers to a condition in which the margin of the upper or lower eyelid turns inwards against the surface of the eye. A mild entropion may cause occasional irritation, whilst a severe entropion may be sight-threatening. What are the causes of…
Ectropion
Overview: What is an ectropion? An ectropion is the term used to describe the lower eyelid turning outwards and drooping away from the eye. A lower eyelid ectropion is much more common in the elderly and may affect the whole eyelid, or only the inner third. What are the symptoms of ectropion?…
Droopy eyelid (ptosis)
Overview: What is a ‘Ptosis’? Ptosis describes a drooping of one or both upper eyelids. This is also referred to as a “blepharoptosis”. What are the causes of ptosis? A ptosis may be present at birth (a congenital ptosis) or be acquired later in life. A congenital ptosis is due to an…
Eyelid tumours
Overview: What is a tumour? A tumour refers to a new growth of tissue, and can be benign (implying limited growth with no distant spread), pre-malignant (with the potential to become malignant) or malignant (implying an ability to grow, to invade and replace adjacent structures, and to spread…
Eyelid cyst
Overview: What is an eyelid cyst, and what are the underlying causes? The eyelids contain specialised oil-producing glands (meibomian glands) which discharge their secretions onto the surface of the eyes, and are essential in preventing the tear film from evaporating too quickly. If the ducts…
Blepharitis
Overview: What is blepharitis? Blepharitis is a relatively common inflammatory condition which affects the eyelid margin (the edge of the eyelid). It can affect the eyelash roots (this is referred to as “anterior blepharitis”) and the area immediately behind this (this is referred to as…