American Medical Association Family Medical Guide - American Medical Association [730]
Symptoms and Treatment
Chalazions may be small or may grow large enough to cause blurred vision. Although small chalazions usually go away on their own within a month or two, you can speed the process by applying frequent warm, moist compresses to the affected area. For larger chalazions or chalazions that have become infected, a doctor may prescribe antibiotics, corticosteroid eyedrops, or surgery. To remove a chalazion, the doctor administers a local anesthetic, makes a small incision in the eyelid, and scrapes out the contents of the chalazion.
Papilloma
A papilloma is a slow-growing, benign (noncancerous) skin growth that can develop anywhere on the eyelid.
Symptoms and Treatment
The color of a papilloma can range from pink to skin-toned. Although a small, inconspicuous papilloma does not need treatment, a doctor may recommend surgery to remove a large, unsightly papilloma. Surgery is usually performed using local anesthesia in a doctor’s office or in an outpatient facility.
Xanthelasma
In xanthelasma, yellow patches of fatty material (called xanthomas) accumulate beneath the skin of the eyelids (see page 128), especially near the nose. Xanthelasma usually occurs in older people and is often associated with elevated levels of cholesterol (a fatlike substance in the blood) and triglycerides (the main type of fat in the blood).
Treatment
Unsightly patches of xanthelasma can be removed surgically. However, they frequently recur, especially if a person’s triglyceride and cholesterol levels remain high.
Entropion
In entropion, the edge of the eyelid—usually the lower lid—turns inward toward the eye (see page 128), causing the eyelid and eyelashes to rub against the surface of the eyeball. This continuous rubbing causes the eye to become inflamed and can damage the conjunctiva (the transparent membrane that covers the white of the eye and lines the eyelids) and cornea (the clear, protective covering at the front of the eye).
Entropion usually affects older people. As people age, the fibrous tissue on the lower eyelid loosens, allowing the muscle in the edge of the eyelid to contract abnormally and pull the edge of the eyelid in toward the eye. In some cases, an injury causes scarring on the inner surface of the eyelid, which can pull the edge of the eyelid in.
Symptoms
The symptoms of entropion include pain and redness in the eye, excessive tearing, and discharge and crusting of mucus. If not treated, entropion can lead to conjunctivitis (see page 1038), corneal ulcers (see page 1037), and vision problems.
Diagnosis and Treatment
A diagnosis of entropion is based on the symptoms and an examination of the affected eyelid. If the lower eyelid is turned inward, the doctor may recommend turning the eyelid outward to its normal position and holding it there for a few days by attaching one end of a piece of adhesive tape to the eyelid (below the eyelashes) and the other end to the cheek. In some cases, this corrects the condition. The doctor may prescribe eyedrops or ointments to help relieve the pain and inflammation. If entropion persists, an ophthalmologist may recommend surgery to turn the eyelid outward and prevent it from rubbing on the surface of the eyeball. The procedure is usually performed using local anesthesia in a doctor’s office or in an outpatient facility.
Ectropion
In ectropion, the edge of the eyelid is turned outward and downward away from the eyeball (see page 128), causing the surface of the eye and the lining of the eyelid to become dry and inflamed. The abnormal position of the eyelid interferes with normal drainage of tears from the eye, causing them to run down the cheek. Losing tears this way can lead to inadequate lubrication of the eyeball, which can damage the cornea (the clear, protective covering at the front of the eye).
Ectropion usually occurs in older people, when aging stretches the tendons of the muscle in the lower eyelid that keep the eyelid