Eyelid Problems
There are a number of conditions which affect the eyelids. The lids are designed to protect the eyes, to maintain a normal tear film, and to clean and refresh the eyes through blinking. When the eyelids are abnormal, this can also affect the surface of the eye, as the eye relies on normal lid function to keep it healthy.
Stye
Lumps and bumps on the eyelid are common, and are commonly related to the glands on the lids. Chalazion and Hordeolum are lumps resulting from clogging of the meibomian, or oil glands in the lids. These conditions are commonly lumped together and called "styes." In Hawaii, some call these "star eye." A stye will often go away on its own, but can be surgically removed in many cases if it doesn't resolve on its own. The best way to get it to clear up quickly is by using hot compresses on the lid to help the stye come to a head and drain faster. Hot compresses should be applied 3 to 4 times daily, and can be in the form of a washcloth soaked in hot water (don't burn yourself!) or an egg boiled for 5 minutes and placed in a towel or a clean sock. The same egg can be boiled several times to provide a good consistent source of heat.
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Trichiasis
Other eyelid problems involve eyelashes which rub against the surface of the eye. When this occurs, it can be a source of significant irritation. The lashes can be removed, but will often grow back. If they continue to cause difficulty, a more permanent treatment called electrolysis can be performed in the doctor's office to reduce the chance that the lashes will grow back.
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Entropion
Sometimes, lashes irritate the surface of the eye because the lids turn inward. This condition is called entropion. When the eyelid is poorly positioned like this, it can be a source of constant irritation and even infection. Lashes chronically rubbing against the surface of the eye cause breakdown of the surface and soreness, blurred vision, and sometimes significant infection.
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Ectropion
The eyelid can also turn outward abnormally. This also causes significant discomfort and can also lead to a very red looking eye since the skin which is normally against the surface of the eye is quite irritated, and thus red, since it is now exposed to the air. Lids which turn in or turn out can usually be effectively corrected with surgery.
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Ptosis & Dermatochalasis
When the lids droop or when extra skin causes the upper lid to cover the top portion of the eye, this is referred to as ptosis. This can be repaired surgically, and certainly should be repaired if it interferes with your vision. When people find they need to hold up their eyelids in order to see better, it's a good idea to repair the problem surgically.
Some people note bulging of the skin under the eyes, or sometimes above the eyes on the nose side of the upper lid. This is generally a change associated with aging in which the fat pads which naturally occur behind the eye push forward creating the appearance of swelling. As long as the swelling doesn't change from one time of day to another, this is generally not a cause for concern. It, too, can be corrected surgically.
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