Eyelid conditions

Eyelid conditions

Eyelid conditions Treatment Brisbane

Our eyelids function as a protective covering for our eyes. Aside from keeping foreign objects out of the eyes, they are also responsible for keeping the eyes moist and preventing them from drying out.

If the eyelids are not functioning correctly, this can lead to irritation and even injury to the eye. Numerous eyelid conditions can cause drooping, twitching, inflammation, paralysis, and growths of the eyelids. This can cause vision problems and even change the physical appearance of the eyes.

Common eyelid conditions

Some of the eyelid diseases that Dr Jayne Camuglia can treat at her practice include:

Blepharitis

Blepharitis is a chronic inflammatory condition that occurs when oil and bacteria coat the edge of the eyelid near the base of the eyelashes. Symptoms of blepharitis include redness, itching, stinging, a gritty sensation in the eyes and crusty eyes that stick together, especially when waking up in the morning.

For the most part, blepharitis responds to simple treatment measures and is not a vision-threatening problem. Treatment includes regularly cleansing the eyelids to minimise symptoms and, in some cases, using steroid eye drops and antibiotics. If left untreated, blepharitis can lead to further complications, such as chalazion, chronic conjunctivitis, tear film abnormalities, loss of eyelashes and scarring.

Stye

A stye is a common eyelid infection that results in a red, sensitive bump on the edge of the eyelid. This is caused by a bacterial infection of an oil gland, hair follicle or sweat gland. While a stye can be unsightly, the condition is usually relatively harmless and will often fade on its own. You can speed up the healing process by gently cleaning your eyelids or applying warm compresses several times a day. If you have a stye that doesn’t recede within one to two weeks, it may be time to see Dr Camuglia for alternative treatment.

Chalazion

A chalazion is a small, slow-growing lump or cyst that develops along the eyelid. Such lumps are non-contagious and relatively harmless and are caused by a blocked Meibomian gland. Our Meibomian glands are designed to produce the oily component of the tears and, when they are clogged with solidified oil, can lead to the development of a chalazion.

Typically, a chalazion can be treated with simple eyelid hygiene practices, such as applying warm compresses daily and massaging the lids. If your chalazion becomes infected, you may also require antibiotics. In some rare cases, a chalazion may not respond to these simpler treatments, in which cases, Dr Camuglia may perform a simple surgical drainage procedure.

Eyelid Lesions

Dr Jayne Camuglia can diagnose many eyelid lesions, both benign (non-cancerous) and malignant (cancerous). If treatment is required with more extensive surgery she will arrange for you to see an oculoplastic surgeon for your ongoing care. While most lumps on the eyelid are harmless, any changes in the eyelids should be promptly evaluated by an Eye Specialist. After all, people living in Queensland have the highest chance worldwide of developing skin cancer. The eyes, in particular, are highly susceptible to skin cancer, as they are frequently exposed to the sun.

The most common skin cancers that can develop on the eyes are basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, sebaceous cell carcinoma and melanoma. If you are diagnosed with a cancerous skin lesion, treatment usually involves surgical removal of the growth.

Eyelid Malposition

It is critical that the eyelids are properly aligned in order to protect your eyes, ensure good tear production, and allow you to close your eyes properly. Eyelid malposition occurs when the eyelid is incorrectly positioned against the eyeball. Ectropion refers to the outward turning of the eyelid, while entropion describes the inward turning of the eyelid.

Eyelid malposition usually occurs due to ageing, sun exposure or trauma and can lead to watering, redness, and discomfort. Treatment may include nonsurgical and/or surgical measures depending on the underlying cause of the eyelid malpositioning.