Disorders of the Eyelids

Key points

• • A stye (hordeolum) is a painful, red, pus-filled infection of a gland at the edge of the eyelid.
• • A chalazion is a painless, firm lump from a blocked oil gland in the lid, which builds up slowly.
• • Ptosis is a drooping upper lid, from a weak lifting muscle or a nerve problem, which can block part of the vision.
• • Entropion is an inward-turning lid, so the lashes rub the eye, while ectropion is an outward-turning lid that causes watering and exposure.
• • Blepharitis is a chronic inflammation of the lid margins, giving red, crusty, itchy lid edges.