Eyelid Disorders
Source: MedlinePlus Health Topics, U.S. National Library of Medicine
What are eyelid disorders? Eyelid disorders include a variety of conditions that affect your eyelids. Your eyelids protect your eyes and help keep them healthy. When you blink, they spread tears across your eyes and help wash away dirt or dust. You also close your eyelids when something comes near your eyes to protect them from injury. Like other parts of your body, your eyelids can get infected , become swollen, or develop growths or eye cancer . What causes eyelid disorders? The cause depends on the type of disorder. Some eyelid disorders may run in families, while others happen for unknown reasons. What are common eyelid disorders? There are many kinds of eyelid problems. They can cause swelling, infection, irritation, or change how your eyelids look or move. Some may cause lumps or growths on or around the eyelids. Eyelid disorders that cause swelling, redness, or infection include: Stye (hordeolum). A small, red, painful bump caused by a bacterial infection in an oil gland. A chalazion is a painless lump that may form after a stye. Blepharitis. Makes your eyelids red, itchy , or burning and can cause crusty eyelashes. It's often linked to bacteria or skin conditions like rosacea . Periorbital cellulitis. A bacterial infection of the eyelid and nearby skin. If it spreads behind the eye ( orbital cellulitis ), it needs immediate medical care. Eyelid disorders that affect eyelid position or movement include: Ectropion (eyelids turn out). The inner eyelid is exposed, which can cause irritation or tearing. Entropion (eyelids turn in). The eyelashes rub against the eye, causing discomfort or damage. Ptosis (drooping eyelid). Often caused by weak muscles, aging, or nerve damage. Eyelid growths include: Xanthelasma . Yellowish patches of cholesterol near the inner corners of the eyelids. Papilloma. A benign (noncancerous), wart-like skin growth. Basal cell carcinoma. The most common eyelid cancer, often on the lower eyelid. Squamous cell carcinoma. A less common but fa