Download Common Eye-lid Conditions

Wynberg & Sea Point Eye Clinics
021 761 0140/1 – 021 434 5773
Common and serious eyelid conditions
Dr Gavin Galloway, Ophthalmic Surgeon, Wynberg & Sea Point Eye Clinics
021 761 0140/1 – 021 434 5773
Many people experience eyelid problems from time to time. I will try to cover common ones and
some potentially serious ones. This article is not meant to replace the advice of your GP or eye
specialist.
Probably the most common eye-lid complaint is something called “blepharitis” which describes an
inflammation along the edges of the lids. In its mildest form it is mildly irritating but in its severest
form it can affect the health of the eye itself. It tends to present with a slightly red-rimmed
appearance of the eyelids and some ocular irritation. It is caused most often by the accumulation of
dead skin cells around the eye-lash roots which then become infected by common skin bacteria. It
is treated with a combination of eye-lid cleaning (scrubs) and antibiotic drops or ointment. In most
people it takes a few months of treatment to slowly resolve but in some life-long cleaning of the
eyelids may be necessary.
Another common eyelid complaint are styes. These can be divided into two kinds. The more
common external eye-lid margin form and the internal “meibomian” gland form. The external type
usually settles quickly without much in the way of treatment being required but the
deeper/internal type (also called “Chalazion”) often requires surgical incision to release the gland
blockage. This can be done by an ophthalmologist, usually in the consulting rooms.
Other lumps can occur on the eyelids some of which can be serious. Benign tumours commonly
occur but as the eyelid skin is prone to sun exposure we do also see many eyelid malignant
tumours. There are broadly speaking three varieties of malignancies affecting the eye-lid skin. From
least to most serious are – basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and malignant
melanoma. Each would require surgical excision and eyelid reconstruction by a specialist trained in
eyelid work.
Other common eyelid problems, especially in the more elderly, are droopy upper lids and baggy
excess skin-folds around the eyes. A droopy upper eyelid is known as “ptosis” and is because the
eyelid muscle tendon becomes stretched over time. This can be repaired very successfully with an
operation to shorten the tendon. For baggy excess skin around the eyes one would need surgery as
well. This would entail trimming off the excess. Please consult your eye specialist for further advice.
Certain cosmetic procedures are commonly used on the eyelids. A good example of this would be
botulinum toxin (“Botox”) injections to rejuvenate the appearance of the lids especially where
wrinkles are concerned.
Dr Gavin Galloway MBhB (UCT), FRCOphth (London)
Ophthalmic Surgeon (Eye specialist)
Practice No. 0207772
Wynberg: Remington House, 9 Sunninghill Road, Wynberg 7708
Tel: 021 761 0140/1 Fax: 021 797 8028
Sea Point: 308 Sea Point Medical Centre, 1 Kloof St, Sea Point, 8060
Tel: 021 434 5773