Disorders lower eyelid -- lower eyelid --
Eyelid problems range from benign, self-resolving processes to malignant, possibly metastatic, tumors. Inflammation, infection, benign and malignant tumors, and structural problems such as ectropion, entropion and blepharoptosis may occur. Fortunately, most eyelid disorders are not vision-threatening or life-threatening; however, many cause irritative symptoms such as burning, foreign-body sensation or pain. Blepharitis, or eyelid inflammation, one of the most common problems, is characterized by erythematous eyelids with accumulation of debris along the eyelid margin. Malignant eyelid tumors may be associated with lash loss and erosion of normal eyelid structures. Recognition and diagnosis of these problems are crucial to their proper management. Warm compresses and antibiotics suffice for many conditions, while excision, cryotherapy or laser treatment are required for some.
- Entropion/ Ectropion -- lower eyelid --
inward; the eyelashes touch the eye and irritate the cornea.
Ectropion is a condition where one or both eyelid margins turn outward, exposing both the conjunctiva that covers the eye and the conjunctiva that lines the eyelid.
Eyelid muscles are susceptible to sarcoma.
Causes and symptoms
Entropion/ectropion usually results from aging, but sometimes can be due to acongenital defect, a spastic eyelid muscle, or a scar on the inside of the lid that could
be from surgery, injury, or disease. It is accompanied by excessive tearing, redness,
and discomfort. Ectropion can also be the result of allergies.
Treatment
Both entropion and ectropion can be surgically corrected. Prior to surgery, the lowerlid of entropion can be taped down to keep the lashes off the eye, and both can be
treated with lubricating drops to keep the cornea moist.
The eyelid is cut away to show the appearance of the normal eyelid (left); an eyelid exhibiting ectropion - outward turning of the lower eyelid (center); and an eyelid exhibiting entropion - inward turning of the lower
eyelid (right).