The eyelids are a thin fold skin that covers and protects the eyes, they are veils located at the base of the orbit in front of the eyeball, which depending on the circumstances they cover or uncover our eyes.
The eyelids help lubricate the eye and remove dust or particles placed on the surface of the eyes, by opening and closing them.
Like other parts of the body, the eyelids can become infected, inflamed, and even develop cancer. However, the diseases of the eyelids are relatively trivial and can be very well solved with treatments.
Structure of the eyelids
The eyelids have two faces; one is anterior and cutaneous; the other mucosa and two ends. One internal and one extreme.
The upper eyelid shows a different appearance. When closed it conforms to the eyeball. When open, it forms a kind of cushion that lies behind the orbit palpebral sulcus.
The lower and upper eyelids meet at their ends to form the lateral or outer commissure at the medial or inner commissure.
What are the most common diseases and how to prevent them?
As we had mentioned before the eyelids can become infected, inflamed, develop cancer, and other types of diseases. The most common include:
Blepharitis:
It is a very common condition that consists of the inflammation of the edge of the eyelids where the eyelashes are born.
Seborrheic dermatitis develops, irritation, burning, itching, dryness, and peeling of the skin. There are different types of blepharitis but in general, they all manifest with similar symptoms such as:
- Stinging
- Itching
- Red eyes
- Styes
- Morning screeching
There is no quick and easy cure, as this disease is considered a chronic condition. Treatments to cure this disease include drugs that fight infection and control inflammation.
Blepharitis can be prevented by keeping your hands and face clean, not rubbing the eyes with dirty fingers or tissues, cleaning the eyes of makeup before sleeping, and removing excess tears or eye drops from the lashes.
Blepharospasm:
It is the general term for the spasms of the eyelid muscles, the eyelid can repetitively close or almost close and then open without being able to exert control over them.
Factors that can cause the eyelid muscles to contract are:
- Fatigue
- Stress
- Caffeine
- Considerable alcohol consumption
If the contractions are very intense with complete closure of the eyelid, it can cause irritation of the cornea or irritation of the membranes that line the eyelids.
Treatment to treat blepharospasm consists of eye protection with sunglasses, lubricating drops, and application of botulinum toxin.
This disease cannot be prevented but it is important to detect it early since its symptoms can sometimes be confused or underestimated. Probably a part of the population suffers it without knowing it.
Chalazion or Chelation:
It is a small bump on the eyelid caused by a blockage of a small sebaceous gland. This disease usually develops after an internal stye.
Although it is painless, the eyelid may be red, tender, hot, and inflamed. Sometimes it must be removed with surgery or use an injection. Symptoms include:
- Redness
- Light pressure on the cornea (occurs when the cyst is located on the upper eyelid and reaches a certain size).
- Itchy eye
- Crusting along the eyelid margin
Some of the chalazion treatments include antibiotics, warm water compresses, and steroid injections. In the event that the disease does not remit and affects vision, a drain may be needed, so surgery is performed.
Stay healthy
Due to different diseases in the eyelids, these can present great discomfort and trigger eye problems, thus reducing a good quality of life. For this reason, it is very important to see a doctor when any type of discomfort occurs. Keep your body healthy, it is the most important home in you.
References:
1.- Mayo Clinic
2.- IMO
3.- Medline Plus, Blefaroespasmo, Chalazión
4.- Wikipedia
