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Eyelid Disorders
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Eyes Vision

Eyelid Disorders

Eyelid disorders encompass a range of conditions affecting the protective structures of the eye, varying from minor infections to serious growths.

What are eyelid disorders?

Eyelid disorders include a variety of conditions that affect your eyelids. Your eyelids protect your eyes and help keep them healthy. When you blink, they spread tears across your eyes and help wash away dirt or dust. You also close your eyelids when something comes near your eyes to protect them from injury.

Like other parts of your body, your eyelids can get infected, become swollen, or develop growths or eye cancer.

What causes eyelid disorders?

The cause depends on the type of disorder. Some eyelid disorders may run in families, while others happen for unknown reasons.

What are common eyelid disorders?

There are many kinds of eyelid problems. They can cause swelling, infection, irritation, or change how your eyelids look or move. Some may cause lumps or growths on or around the eyelids.

Eyelid disorders that cause swelling, redness, or infection include:

  • Stye (hordeolum). A small, red, painful bump caused by a bacterial infection in an oil gland. A chalazion is a painless lump that may form after a stye.
  • Blepharitis. Makes your eyelids red, itchy, or burning and can cause crusty eyelashes. It's often linked to bacteria or skin conditions like rosacea.
  • Periorbital cellulitis. A bacterial infection of the eyelid and nearby skin. If it spreads behind the eye (orbital cellulitis), it needs immediate medical care.

Eyelid disorders that affect eyelid position or movement include:

  • Ectropion (eyelids turn out). The inner eyelid is exposed, which can cause irritation or tearing.
  • Entropion (eyelids turn in). The eyelashes rub against the eye, causing discomfort or damage.
  • Ptosis (drooping eyelid). Often caused by weak muscles, aging, or nerve damage.

Eyelid growths include:

  • Xanthelasma. Yellowish patches of cholesterol near the inner corners of the eyelids.
  • Papilloma. A benign (noncancerous), wart-like skin growth.
  • Basal cell carcinoma. The most common eyelid cancer, often on the lower eyelid.
  • Squamous cell carcinoma. A less common but faster-growing skin cancer.
  • Sebaceous gland carcinoma. A rare but serious cancer of the eyelid's oil glands.

Eyelid disorders that affect blinking or eyelid movement include:

  • Blepharospasm. Eyelid blinking or twitching you can't control.
  • Myokymia. A minor, occasional eyelid twitch often caused by fatigue or stress.

What are the symptoms of eyelid disorders?

Symptoms can vary depending on the condition but may include:

  • Feeling like something is in your eye
  • Burning or stinging
  • Watery or itchy eyes
  • Red, swollen eyelids
  • Blurry vision

How are eyelid disorders diagnosed?

Your eye care specialist may diagnose eyelid disorders during an eye exam. They may also ask about your medical and family history to help find the cause.

How are eyelid disorders treated?

Treatment depends on the cause of the disorder. Some eyelid conditions get better on their own or may be related to another health condition. Keeping your eyelids clean can help prevent irritation and infection.

If you need treatment, it may include:

  • Warm compresses
  • Medicines or ointments
  • Eye drops
  • Surgery (less common)
  • Lifestyle changes, such as getting more sleep or cutting back on caffeine

Frequently Asked Questions

Periorbital cellulitis is a bacterial infection of the eyelid and surrounding skin that requires prompt medical attention. It becomes a medical emergency if the infection spreads behind the eye, causing orbital cellulitis. Signs of this serious complication include bulging of the eye (proptosis), severe pain with eye movement, double vision, or a significant decrease in vision. If you notice these symptoms, go to the emergency room immediately, as this condition can lead to permanent vision loss or systemic infection.
Eyelid cancer often presents as a persistent, non-healing sore, a scaly patch, or a new growth that bleeds easily or changes in color. Unlike a benign cyst or stye, eyelid cancer does not resolve with warm compresses or antibiotics. Basal cell carcinoma, the most common type, may look like a pearly or waxy bump, while squamous cell carcinoma may appear as a firm, red nodule. Any eyelid growth that persists for more than two to three weeks, especially if you have a history of sun exposure or fair skin, should be evaluated by an ophthalmologist or dermatologist for a biopsy.
Consistent daily eyelid hygiene is the most effective prevention strategy. Use a warm compress to soften crusts, then gently clean the base of your eyelashes with a cotton swab or washcloth dampened with warm water or a diluted baby shampoo. Over-the-counter eyelid wipes or cleansers can also be helpful. Managing underlying skin conditions like rosacea or seborrheic dermatitis with your primary care provider can also reduce flare-ups.
stye is a painful, red bump caused by an acute bacterial infection of an oil gland, while a chalazion is a painless, firm lump that forms when an oil gland becomes chronically blocked. For both, apply a warm, moist compress to the closed eye for 10 to 15 minutes, three to four times a day, to help drain the gland. Do not squeeze or pop the bump, as this can spread the infection or cause scarring. If a stye does not improve in a few days or a chalazion persists for several weeks, a doctor may need to prescribe antibiotics or perform a minor drainage procedure.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

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