Understanding Common Eyelid Conditions and Their Symptoms

Blepharitis

Inflammation of the eyelid margins causing redness, irritation, crusting, and discomfort.

Demodex Blepharitis

An eyelid infestation by Demodex mites causing itching, irritation, and cylindrical dandruff on the eyelashes.

Meibomian Gland Dysfunction

Blockage or dysfunction of the oil glands that stabilize the tear film.

Hordeolum (Stye)

A painful bacterial infection involving an eyelid gland.

Chalazion

A painless eyelid lump caused by blockage of a meibomian gland.

Preseptal Cellulitis

A bacterial infection of the eyelid tissues located in front of the orbital septum.

Orbital Cellulitis

A serious infection behind the orbital septum that requires urgent medical treatment.

Ptosis

Drooping of the upper eyelid that may partially block vision and affect one or both eyes.

Dermatochalasis

Excess eyelid skin that can obstruct vision and create a heavy appearance.

Entropion

An inward turning of the eyelid that causes the eyelashes to rub against the eye.

Ectropion

An outward turning of the eyelid that may lead to tearing, irritation, and eye exposure.

Lagophthalmos

Incomplete eyelid closure that can cause dry eye, irritation, and corneal exposure.

Floppy Eyelid Syndrome

A condition in which the upper eyelids are unusually loose and easily evert during sleep.

Lid Retraction

An abnormal elevation or lowering of an eyelid that exposes more of the eye than normal.

Trichiasis

Misdirected eyelashes that rub against the eye and may damage the cornea.

Distichiasis

An extra row of eyelashes that can irritate the surface of the eye.

Madarosis

Partial or complete loss of the eyelashes caused by inflammation, trauma, infection, or systemic disease.

Poliosis

Whitening of the eyelashes due to loss of pigment within the hair follicles.

Eyelid Myokymia

A temporary eyelid twitch caused by small involuntary muscle contractions, often triggered by stress or fatigue.

Blepharospasm

An involuntary muscle spasm causing excessive blinking or forceful closure of the eyelids.

Hemifacial Spasm

Repeated involuntary muscle contractions affecting one side of the face, commonly involving the eyelids.

Epiblepharon

A congenital eyelid condition in which an extra fold of skin causes the eyelashes to rub against the surface of the eye.

Coloboma of the Eyelid

A rare birth defect characterized by a missing portion of the upper or lower eyelid.

Ankyloblepharon

A rare congenital disorder in which the upper and lower eyelids are partially fused together.

Cryptophthalmos

A rare congenital condition in which the eyelids fail to form and skin completely or partially covers the eye.

Ablepharon

A very rare congenital disorder characterized by the partial or complete absence of the eyelids.

Eyelid Tumors

Benign or malignant growths affecting the eyelids that require evaluation and, in some cases, treatment.

Xanthelasma

Soft yellow cholesterol deposits that develop on or around the eyelids.

Proptosis

Forward displacement of the eye, commonly caused by thyroid eye disease, orbital inflammation, or tumors.

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