Eyelid Disorders

Question 1

Blepharitis

Answer 1

• Inflammation of the eyelid margins.
• Gritty, itchy, dry sensation.
• Associated with dysfunction of the Meibomian glands - responsible for secreting oil.
• Management:
  
  • Hot compresses and gentle cleaning of eyelid margins.
  • Lubricating eye drops to relieve symptoms.

Question 2

Stye

Answer 2

• Stye causes a tender red lump along the eyelid that may contain pus.
• Hordeolum externum is an infection of the glands of Zeis (sebaceous) or glands of Moll (sweat) at the base of the eyelashes.
• Horedolum internum is an infection of the Meibomian glands. Deeper and tend to be more painful and point inwards towards the eyeball.
• Treated with hot compresses and analgesia - antibiotics if conunctivitis present.

Question 3

Chalazion

Answer 3

• Meibomian gland becomes blocked and swells up.
• Presents with swelling in the eyelid that is non-tender.
• Treat with hot compress and analgesia.

Question 4

Entropion

Answer 4

• Eyelid turns inwards so lashes against the eyeball.
• Results in pain and can cause corneal damage and ulceration.
• Initial management by taping eyelid down with definitive management by surgical intervention.

Question 5

Ectropion

Answer 5

• Eyelid turns outards with the inner aspect of the eyelid exposed.
• Can result in exposure keratopathy.
• Regular lubricating eye drops and surgery in more significant cases.

Question 6

Trichiasis

Answer 6

• Inward growth of the eyelashes.
• Results in pain and corneal damage/ulceration.
• Management by specialist removing eyelash (epilation).
• Recurrent cases require electrolysis, cryotherapy or laser treatment.