Disorders lower eyelid

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.

Eyelid Disorders 

1. Entropion/ Ectropion -- lower eyelid --

Entropion is a condition where the eyelid margin (usually the lower one) is turned
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 a
congenital 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 lower
lid 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).

1. Eyelid edema -- lower eyelid --

Eyelid edema is a condition where the eyelids contain excessive fluid. 

Causes and symptoms

Eyelid edema is most often caused by allergic reactions, for example, allergies to eye
makeup, eye drops or other drugs, or plant allergens such as pollen. Trichinosis, a
disease caused by eating undercooked meat, also causes eyelid edema. However,
swelling can also be caused by more serious causes, such as infection, and can lead
to orbital cellulitis, which can threaten vision. Symptoms can include swelling, itching,
redness, or pain. 

Treatment

Patients with swollen eyelids should contact their eye doctor. A severely swollen lid
can press on the eye and possibly increase the intraocular pressure. An infection
needs to be ruled out. Or, something as simple as an allergy to nail polish and then
touching the eyes can cause swelling. The best treatment for allergic eyelid edema is
to find and remove the substance causing the allergy. When that is not possible, as
in the case of plant allergens, cold compresses and immunosuppressive drugs such
as corticosteroid creams are helpful. However, steroids can cause cataracts and
increase intraocular pressure and patients must be very careful not to get the cream
in their eyes. This should not be done unless under a doctor's care. For edema
caused by trichinosis, the trichinosis must be treated.