If you’ve been noticing discomfort, itchiness, or cosmetic changes in your eyelids, you may be suffering from an eyelid disorder. Here are the most common eyelid problems, what they’re caused by, what their symptoms are, and how to treat them.
Ptosis
Ptosis is an eyelid disorder that causes the upper eyelids to droop or sag. This particular disorder is usually age-related, as the muscles in the eyelids become weaker over the years. But ptosis can also be caused by Botox injections, eye injuries, or various diseases such as diabetes.
Ptosis isn’t much cause for concern, but at its worst it can partially obscure vision. Treatments vary depending on the cause of your ptosis. If your ptosis isn’t a result of disease or injury (in which case it may resolve on its own if the root cause is dealt with), surgery is an option.
Blepharitis
Blepharitis is a disorder that causes inflammation of the eyelids. This inflammation can result from bacterial infections, skin conditions such as rosacea or dermatitis, or problems with the oil glands. It’s estimated that the condition is seen in 37% of patients who visit opthamologists and in 47% who see optometrists.
Blepharitis can cause itchiness or redness in the eyelids and make the eyes watery or bloodshot. To treat blepharitis and relieve discomfort, steroid or antibiotic eye drops are often used along with warm compresses. Washing the eyelids with special soap can help as well.
Stye
A stye is a red bump, often resembling a pimple, that can appear on the eyelid as a result of a bacterial infection. The bacteria that causes styes is called Staphylococcus and is introduced to the eyelid region when you rub or touch the area. A stye can cause redness, swelling, pain, or drooping eyelids.
The condition usually heals on its own, but the process can be sped up by applying a warm compress to the eyelid.
Ectropion and entropion
Ectropion and entropion are two eyelid disorders that are related to muscles becoming weaker with age.
In the case of ectropion, the muscles in the lower eyelid become weaker and turn the lid outwards. This renders the upper and lower eyelids unable to close, causing watery eyes, dryness, and irritation. Ectropion is usually caused by age, and less commonly, by eyelid injury or facial paralysis.
Entropion, on the other hand, turns the lower eyelid inwards, forcing the eyelashes to rub against the cornea. Like ectropion, it is most commonly caused by age-related muscle weakness but can also be caused by injury or inflammation. Symptoms of entropion are similar to those of ectropion but can also include blurred vision.
Both conditions can be corrected via surgical procedures, but mild cases do not often require surgery and can be managed through various methods including artificial tears (ectropion) and skin tape (entropion).
Written by Natan Rosenfeld