Common Eyelid Problems

Our eyes are among our most precious sense organs, and when medical conditions develop that affect our eyesight, we become concerned and with good reasons. There are actually a number of eyelid problems that can affect your vision and cause aesthetic issues that may be upsetting to you.

If you are currently experiencing a problem with your upper or lower (or both) eyelids, please read further to learn about a few of the most common eyelid problems seen by medical doctors. Dr. Robert G. Fante is a board-certified cosmetic surgeon who has been performing eyelid surgery in Denver for many years now. After an initial consultation, acquisition of your medical history and a thorough physical examination, Dr. Fante and his team will be able to diagnose your particular eyelid problem and then discuss a treatment plan which may or may not involve eyelid surgery.

Eyelid Problems

Let’s take a look at the most common eyelid problems Dr. Fante sees at the Centre; keep in mind, however, that some of the conditions associated with the eyelid will need to be treated by an eye doctor (ophthalmologist) instead of a cosmetic surgeon. This determination will be made after an examination of your eyes.

A stye (medically known as a “hordeolum”) is a very common ailment that most people have probably suffered at some time in their lives. Styes will cause swelling and tenderness and will manifest as a tender red lump on the eyelid; there will occasionally be discharge from the lump. A chalazion is a firmer and less tender bump than a stye and is rarely painful.

Eczema and seborrheic dermatitis may also affect the eyelids causing redness along the borders of the eyelids. This is one form of blepharitis, or inflammation of the eyelids. Other kinds of blepharitis include overgrowth of natural staph bacteria that can cause redness, burning, and itching around the eyes. Another form of blepharitis is thickening of the oil glands in the eyelids that is associated with Asian ancestry, a skin condition called acne rosacea, and other situations. This thickening of the oil secretions causes redness, eyelash damage, and dry eye. Various treatment options are available for styes, chalazia, and the different kinds of blepharitis.

Drooping eyelids are most commonly caused by the natural aging process, but are occasionally seen in young children who are born with a localized muscular dystrophy of the eyelid. Drooping eyelid can also be seen due to injury to the nerves or by various types of neurological disease. If your eyelids start to droop slowly over a long period of time, you can expect the diagnosis to be much less serious than if you experience a sudden onset of drooping eyelids. Sudden onset of drooping eyelids may indicate a serious neurological problem and should be evaluated.

Another eyelid problem occurs when the lower eyelid turns toward the eyeball; this is medically referred to as “entropion.” This eyelid condition causes the eyelashes to irritate the surface of the eyeball, and the eyelid will usually require surgery. Your doctor will be able to determine the severity of the entropion and discuss treatment options.

Ectropion is another eyelid problem that occurs when there is an outward turning of the eyelid margin; ectropion causes tearing, irritation of the eyes and redness; ectropion affects the lower eyelids in most cases. This condition is treated with lubricating eye drops and ointment, and surgery.

There are a number of other eyelid problems that require the care of a doctor and may require surgery. If you are suffering with an eyelid problem, please contact the Fante Eye & Face Centre to schedule an initial consultation. After a thorough medical history is taken and a physical examination is performed, Dr. Fante and his medical team will discuss diagnoses and treatment options for whatever eyelid problems you may have.

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