Eyelid problems
The proper functioning of the eyes partly depends on the position and function of the eyelids. In addition, the eyelids have a major influence on the appearance. The most common problems of the eyelids are:
- Chalazion
- Ectropion
- Entropion
- Ptosis
Chalazion
A chalazion is a painless swelling of a sebaceous gland (Meibomian gland) in the eyelid, also called a barleycorn. The upper and lower eyelid contain sebaceous glands that are important for the stability of the tear film. When the drainage duct becomes clogged, sebum accumulates in the gland. This causes swelling and inflammation of the sebaceous gland.
A small chalazion usually does not cause any complaints. The bump is only visible. If the swelling increases, painful symptoms may occur. The eyelid can become red and swollen in a short time. Because the bump presses on the cornea and deforms the cornea slightly, other symptoms may also occur, such as blurred vision, watery eye, irritation and pain.
If the complaints do not diminish after using warm compresses, the chalazion can be surgically removed.
Treatment
Often, treatment can be started with When the symptoms do not decrease after using warm compresses. Depending on the stage of the inflammation, the chalazion can best be removed quickly and effectively with an operation. In that case, a recurrence rarely or never occurs.
Treatment
A piece of the eyelid that is sticking out can be removed with an operation, which allows the eyelid to fit better on the eye and restores function. During a check-up after about two weeks, everything is evaluated and any stitches that may have been placed are removed.
Ectropion
With an ectropion, the edge of the lower eyelid is turned outward. The ectropion can be disturbing to the vision because the red inside of the eyelid is visible. There are several causes for an ectropion, such as:
- age, change in the tissues of the lower eyelid causing sagging of the skin
- skin diseases and scars
- paralysis
- mechanically, the weight of an eyelid tumor can cause the lower eyelid to sag
- congenital defect
With an ectropion, the eye is usually irritated because the eye closes less well. The eye can start to water because the drainage duct of the tear ducts (on the side of the nose in the lower eyelid) no longer makes contact with the eye. In the worst case, the cornea can dry out and become permanently damaged because the “lubricating function” of the lower eyelid no longer works.
With age, the lower eyelid sags in a horizontal direction. This can cause it to hang lower and tilt outward. This can also be caused by scars or skin diseases. An everted eyelid causes eye irritation, tearing, redness and sensitivity to bright light and wind.
Entropion
By entropion we mean an inwardly turned lower eyelid.
This abnormality is also usually the result of aging and scarring of some kind. This causes the eyelashes and skin of the eyelid to rub against the eye. This causes a red irritated eye. If an entropion is not operated on, there is a risk that the cornea will be damaged by abrasion of the eyelid hairs and this may reduce vision.
Sometimes this causes few complaints. There are several causes of an entropion, such as:
- age, aging of the tissues of the lower eyelid causing sagging
- scars, scarring of the tissues on the inside of the lower eyelid
- convulsive squinting of the eyes
- congenital defect
Treatment
A piece of the eyelid that is tilted inwards can be removed with an operation, which will make the eyelid fit better on the eye and restore function. During a check-up after about two months, everything will be evaluated and any stitches that may have been placed will be removed.
Ptosis
A ptosis is a muscle that does not function properly, causing the upper eyelid to become low. A lowered upper eyelid can be congenital, but ptosis can also occur due to wearing hard contact lenses and/or naturally at a later age.
When ptosis is present at birth, it is usually because the muscle that lifts the eyelid is not properly developed. In children, other eye abnormalities such as strabismus and a lazy eye also occur in combination with ptosis. That is why every child with a congenital drooping eyelid should be examined by an ophthalmologist within the first six months of life. A drooping eyelid that develops during life can have various causes.
In old age, it is often caused by the muscle that lifts the eyelid gradually becoming slack and coming loose from the eyelid. At a younger age, the muscle can also become slack and come loose, usually due to wearing hard contact lenses for a long time. Rare causes of a drooping eyelid in adulthood include muscle diseases and nerve abnormalities.
Treatment
During a ptosis upper eyelid operation, excess skin is removed from the upper side and then the muscle that is too loose is shortened. This treatment takes about 45 minutes. After about 1 week, the stitches are removed during the check-up appointment. After a few months, the wound has healed well.
