Benign Eyelid Disorders

Squamous papilloma

This is the most common benign eyelid tumour. It typically has a papillary shape with a keratinised surface.

Blepharitis

This is inflammation of the eyelid margins. It can lead to dysfunction of the Meibomian glands, which secrete thicker oils onto the eye surface, therefore leading to styes and chalazions.

It presents with:

• Painful, gritty, itchy, dry eyes

• Worse in the morning

Managed by:

• Lid hygiene - Hot compress and gentle cleaning of eyelid margins to remove debris, using cotton wool dipped in baby shampoo and warm water

• Avoid eye makeup

• Lubricating eye drops

Stye

Medical term for this is Hordeolum externum. It's an infection of the glands of Zeis or Moll:

• Glands of Zeis – Sweat glands at base of eyelashes

• Glands of Moll – Sebaceous glands at base of eyelashes

It presents with a tender red lump along the eyelid that may contain pus, and is managed with Lid hygiene (hot compress and analgesia).

Chalazion

Medical term for this is Hordeolum internum. It's an infection of the Meibomian glands.

It presents with a deep, tender red lump that along the eyelid tends to be more painful and point inwards towards the eye. It's managed with Lid hygiene (hot compress and analgesia).

Entropion and Ectropion

Entropion is the turning in of the eyelid. It can cause pain as the eyelashes irritate the cornea, therefore resulting in corneal damage and ulceration.

Ectropion is the turning out of eyelid due to laxity or a facial palsy. It can lead to exposure keratopathy as the eyeball is exposed, therefore not adequately lubricated and protected.