Eyelid disorders

Question 1

What is blepharitis? How does it present?

Answer 1

Blepharitis is inflammation of the eyelid margins

It presents with bilateral itchy, dry, gritty sensation in the eyes

Question 2

Describe the management of blepharitis

Answer 2

Conservative:

• Warm compresses
• Gentle cleaning of the eyelid margins
• Lubricating eye drops to help relieve symptoms, e.g. Hypromellose eye drops

Question 3

What are the different types of stye? How do they present?

Answer 3

Both cause red, tender swelling of the eyelid:

• Hordeolum externum (external stye)
• Hordeolum internum (internal stye)

Question 4

Describe the pathophysiology of hordeolum externum

Answer 4

Infection of the glands of Zeis or glands of Moll at the base of the eyelashes

Question 5

Describe the pathophysiology of hordeolum internum

Answer 5

Infection of the Meibomian glands

Question 6

Describe the management of a stye

Answer 6

Conservative:

• Simple analgesia
• Warm compresses

Question 7

What is a chalazion? How does it present?

Answer 7

A chalazion occurs when a Meibomian gland becomes blocked and swells (also known as Meibomian cyst)

It presents with eyelid swelling that is typically not tender

Question 8

Describe the management of a chalazion

Answer 8

Conservative:

- Warm compresses

Question 9

What is an entropion? This causes…

Answer 9

Entropion is where the eyelid turns inwards with the lashes against the eyeball

This causes pain and can result in corneal damage/ulceration

Question 10

Describe the initial and definitive management of an entropion

Answer 10

Initial:
- Taping eyelid down to prevent it turning inwards and using lubricating eye drops to prevent eye from drying out

Definitive:
- Surgical intervention

Question 11

What is an ectropion?

Answer 11

Ectropion is where the eyelid turns outwards and the inner layer of the eyelid is exposed (usually affects the lower lid)

Question 12

Describe the initial and definitive management of an ectropion

Answer 12

Initial:
- Lubricating eye drops to prevent eye from drying out

Definitive:
- Surgical intervention

Question 13

What is trichiasis? This causes..

Answer 13

Inward growth of the eyelashes

This causes pain and can result in corneal damage/ulceration

Question 14

Describe the management of trichiasis

Answer 14

Removal of the eyelashes (epilation) by a specialist