Some common eyelid conditions:

• Entropion
• Epiblepharon
• Trichiasis
• Peri-ocular Lumps

What is Entropion?

This is the inward rolling of the upper or lower eyelid margin that causes the eyelashes to rub against the eye surface. Entropion is caused by laxity of eyelid tissues due to ageing, as well as scarring of the inner surface of the eyelid.

What are its symptoms?

With entropion, patients may experience eye discomfort including: watering, sensation of foreign body or grittiness in the eye, redness, pain and discharge. The condition may also lead to corneal infection and scarring.

What is Epiblepharon?

This is a horizontal skin fold near the eyelid margin that presses the eyelashes against the eye surface. It is a developmental problem commonly seen in younger Chinese children. It may improve spontaneously by seven to eight years of age.

What are its symptoms?

Children with the condition may complain of discomfort to the eye including: watering, sensation of foreign body or grittiness in the eye, redness, pain and discharge, and frequent eye rubbing. The condition may also lead to corneal infection and scarring.

What is Trichiasis?

Trichiasis is the medical term which describes in-grown eyelashes. It is caused by infection, inflammation, autoimmune disorders or trauma such as burns or eyelid injury.

What are its symptoms?

In-grown eyelashes cause discomfort to the eye including: watering, sensation of foreign body or grittiness in the eye, redness, pain and discharge, and frequent eye rubbing. The condition may also lead to corneal infection and scarring.

What should I do if I have symptoms of Entropion, Epiblepharon or Trichiasis?

The use of lubricating eyedrops and ointments may provide some relief. Minor surgery under local anaesthesia may also be used to tighten or reposition the eyelid or remove the offending eyelashes depending on the underlying cause.

What are Peri-ocular Lumps?

Lumps that appear near the eye are known as peri-ocular lumps. These can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Benign lumps include styes, cysts, moles and warts. They can be cosmetically unsightly or irritating but are generally not harmful. Some of these may rarely be pre-cancerous and may develop into cancers with time.

Malignant lumps are suspected if one or more of the following is present:

• recent or new appearance of the lump
• sudden increase in size of the lump
• change in colour or appearance of an existing lump
• the lump becoming itchy or bleeds upon contact

What should I do if I have Peri-ocular Lumps?

Most benign peri-ocular lumps may be treated with surgical removal. In the elderly, early recognition and treatment of malignant lumps may save vision and life. They should be completely excised (removed) with laboratory (histological) confirmation of its clearance.

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