Eyelid Infection - Causes, Risk Factors, Classification, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Introduction

The eyelids are the folds of the skin covering the eyes and protecting the eyes from dust, debris, and injury. The eyelids have lashes with hair follicles containing oil glands. These oil glands may become clogged or irritated, leading to eyelid infections. Swollen eyelid is the most common symptom associated with infection due to allergy, inflammation, infection, or injury. Some skin diseases like eczema, dandruff, and psoriasis may increase eyelid infection if left untreated. In addition, eyelid infections may cause by systemic disorders and lead to generalized edema (fluid retention). Eyelid infections have a worldwide distribution but are more common in developing countries and rural areas of Africa, Central America, South America, and Asia.

What Are the Causes of Eyelid Infections?

Bacteria, fungi, and the virus can cause eyelid infections. The causes include.

• Bacterial eyelid infection caused due to poor oral hygiene and expired date cosmetics. Due to an injury, the bacteria are transferred to the eyelid. As a result, an infection called periorbital cellulitis in which bacteria attack the soft tissue of the eyelid. Periorbital cellulitis usually develops due to sinus infection and eye trauma.

• Virus-like colds and flu cause viral eyelid infections. The viral infection lasts for seven to ten days.

• Fungal eyelid infections occur if the eyes are exposed to fungal spores. Eye injuries caused by organic material such as thorns can transmit fungi to the eyes.

What Are the Risk Factors for Eyelid Infections?

The risk factors include.

• Poor oral hygiene.

• People who use expired contact lenses.

• Malfunctioning of eyelids.

• Trauma to the eyelids.

• People have eyelash lice.

• People who get an allergic reaction to expired eye makeup.

• Blocked tear duct.

• Medication side effects.

• Eye infections such as conjunctivitis (pink eye).

• Health conditions like Graves disease (thyroid disorder) and liver failure.

What Is the Classification of Eyelid Infections?

Eyelid infections are classified based on congenital anomalies, edema, inflammation, the position of eyelids, and tumors.

1. Congenital Anomalies are more prone to eyelid infections and include.

• Able-phenom is a rare syndrome in which eyelids are not developed.

• Micropharon is a syndrome in which eyelids are abnormally small.

• Cryptopharon is a rare anomaly; a fold of skin passes from the eyebrow to the cheek.

• Ptosis is a common condition in which the dropping of eyelids is present.

• Distichiasis is the abnormal growth of the eyelashes.

2. Edema - A eyelid swelling occurs due to excess fluid in the connective tissue surrounding the eyes.

• Inflammatory edema is present in conjunctivitis (an inflammation of the lines of the eyelid) and orbital cellulitis (infection of eye tissue).

• Passive edema is the formation of a blood clot in the sinus.

3. Inflammation - It includes eyelid disease as follows.

• Stye - It is an inflammation of glands in the eyelids. It looks like a small abscess. The symptoms include eyelashes becoming swollen and red, pain, swelling of the eyelid, a red bump in the middle of the eyelid, and crusting due to discharge from the eyelid.

• Chalazion - The infection looks like a stye. It occurs when the oil gland gets clogged and leads to blockage. It is a hard bump. The symptoms include swelling of the whole eyelid, tenderness, and blurred vision.

• Blepharitis - It is an inflammation of the eyelid margin. It can be due to bacteria, viruses, or exposure to an allergen. It is a long-term condition. Symptoms include rash, burning sensation, itching, ulceration, blurred vision, and dandruff flakes around eyelashes.

• Pink Eye - It is the inflammation of the conjunctiva. The symptoms include swelling, itching, pain, pink eyeball, and discharge.

4. Position of the Eyelid - The abnormalities are as follows.

• Trichiasis is abnormally positioned eyelashes. It can be due to recurrent stye, injury, operation, and tight bandaging. The symptoms include pain, irritation, and lacrimation.

• Entropion is when the eyelid margin rolls inwards due to injury and burns. Symptoms include pain and irritation.

• Ectropion is when the eyelid margin rolls outwards. Symptoms include excessive watering of the eyes.

• Lagopthalamus is when a person cannot close eyelids due to loss of facial nerve function.

5. Tumors - These include benign and malignant tumors.

• Benign tumors include Nevus (flat pigmented area at the back of the eye), Hemangioma (abnormal growth of blood vessels), Papilloma, and Xanthelasma (abnormal growth in the upper and lower eyelid).

• Malignant tumors include Basal cell carcinoma (painless, seen at the lower eyelid) and Squamous cell carcinoma (seen at the edge of the eyelid).

What Are the Symptoms of Eyelid Infections?

The eyelid infection symptoms include redness and swelling of the eyelids, a burning sensation, itchiness, watery eyes, eyelashes sticking together, crusting debris along the eyelids, and lead to loss of vision in case of chronic cases.

How Can Eyelid Infections Be Diagnosed?

Healthcare professionals will diagnose eyelid infections in the following ways.

• Eye Examination - The doctor will physically examine the eyelids and ask the patient about the symptoms. Based on symptoms and analysis, the doctor will diagnose the infection.

• Laboratory Diagnosis - Laboratory personnel will take a swab from the eyelid to determine the type of bacteria, virus, or fungi.

How Can Eyelid Infections Be Treated?

Stop wearing contact lenses as soon as possible as the symptom develops. The eye doctor will plan the treatment based on the symptoms and conditions.

• Warm Compress - Some eyelid infections, such as stye, can be treated at home with a warm compress. In addition, the doctor may prescribe pain relievers such as Ibuprofen to relieve the discomfort.

• Steroid Treatment - If the person has an infection, the doctor will prescribe eye drops or ointments to reduce inflammation. In addition, the doctor can prescribe lubricating eyedrops to stop irritation caused by dry eyes.

• Medications: The doctor will prescribe an antibiotic in pill, liquid, or ointment form.

How Can Eyelid Infections Be Prevented?

Eyelid infections can be prevented by following measures.

• People should remove their facial and eye makeup before going to bed.

• Do not touch the eyes with dirty hands.

• Do not rub itchy eyelids.

• Controlling dandruff helps in decreasing infection.

• Wash the face regularly with face wash and water.

Conclusion

Eyelid infections are the most common infections in the world. Interprofessional teams, including eye doctors, nurses, and pharmacists, will help in the management of eyelid infections. The primary treatment is the maintenance of eyelid hygiene. Most people with chronic symptoms need to maintain good hygiene to prevent recurrences. The healthcare team can educate people about eyelid infections and prevention.