Diagnosis and management of common eyelid conditions

Eyelid lesions are often detected early due to their visibility. Conditions like epiphora (excessive watering) are bothersome, especially in winter, leading people to seek help sooner.

A common benign condition is a chalazion, a non-tender swelling in the eyelid from inflammation of Meibomian glands, often treated with warm compresses and antibiotics. Rarely, it affects vision and may require surgical removal if persistent.

A stye is a painful, pus-filled cyst on the eyelid that can develop into preseptal cellulitis, requiring oral antibiotics in addition to topical treatments.

Preseptal and orbital cellulitis are ocular emergencies due to the risk of spreading to the brain. Symptoms include swelling, pain, and difficulty moving the eye, requiring urgent referral for intravenous antibiotics.