Overview

Disorders of the eyelid and adjacent areas include contact dermatitis, hordeolum (stye), chalazion, lice infestation of the eyelid, blepharitis, and certain carcinomas. Only contact dermatitis is amenable to self-treatment.

A hordeolum (stye) is an infection of one of the glands of the eyelid. The cause is invariably one of the staphylococcal species associated with blepharitis (e.g., Staphylococcus epidermidis or Staphylococcus aureus). A chalazion is a sterile granuloma that is very similar in appearance to a hordeolum. Chalazia are not infectious and may involve one of the lid glands or may be located near (but not on) the eyelid.

Lice infestation of the eyelids is caused by the organisms Phthirus pubis (crab louse) or Pediculus humanus capitis (head louse).

Blepharitis is an inflammatory condition associated with an accumulation of debris along the eyelid margins. It is caused most commonly by Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus aureus, seborrheic dermatitis, or a combination of these. All forms of blepharitis tend to be chronic, and onset can occur in childhood with periods of exacerbation and remission.

Basal cell carcinoma on the eyelid may present as a nodule with a white, pearl-like appearance. Carcinoma of a sebaceous gland may be black in appearance, with loss of cilia (eyelashes), neovascularization, and/or bleeding. Patients who have an ocular nodule with these symptoms should see an eye care provider for evaluation.

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