Eyelids that turn in or out can be caused by eye injury or scarring.
Eyelids that droop may not be strong enough to hold themselves open.
Who can get it?
A person of any age can have eyelid problems.
Eyelids that turn in or out are more common in older people than in children.
What are the signs and symptoms?
If the eyelids become irritated, they may get red, thicken, appear scaly,
or swell.
It may feel like something is in the eye.
The eyes may itch and burn and become red.
A crust may form and stick to the lid. When taken off, it may bleed.
After sleeping, the eyelids may be crusty and sticky from dried, oozing
fluid.
Insect stings may cause the eyelid to itch and swell.
If the eyelids are turned in, the lashes could rub the eye.
If the eyelids are turned out, they may not close all they way. The eyes
can become dry and damaged.
If the eyelids are turned in or out, the eyes can become red and irritated.
If the eyelids droop a little, it usually will not hurt vision. If they
droop a lot, they may need to be surgically fixed.
Is it contagious?
An infection may be contagious. Talk to your doctor.
How is it treated?
If the eyelids are irritated, the best treatment is to keep them clean.
Washing them gently with baby shampoo may help.
The doctor may prescribe an antibiotic.
Putting a cool pad on the eye may help bring down swelling.
If something is stuck in an eyelid, a doctor should take it out.
If irritation is caused by an allergy, avoid what is causing the reaction.
If the eyelids are turned in or out, they may need to be surgically fixed.
If a growth on the eyelid does not go away after several weeks, a doctor
may need to treat it or remove it.
Encourage your child not to squeeze or rub her eyes. Wash hands often.
Do not wear eye make-up until the eye is better. Wash the face and eyes
gently each day with warm water.
What are some common tear gland problems?
The tear glands can become partially or completely blocked.
If they do not make enough tears, the eyes can become dry and be damaged.
The tear glands can get infected.
A stye is an infection of a tear gland at the edge of the eyelid.
What causes it?
Blockage can be caused by infections in the nose, eye infections, or injury
to the nose or facial bones.
Blockage also can be caused by problems in a baby's growth before birth.
Infection of the tear glands may be caused by blockage.
Infection can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi.
Who can get it?
A person of any age can have tear gland problems.
Styes are more common in children than in adults.
What are the signs and symptoms?
In infants, signs of blockage are tears that overflow and run down the cheek
(from one or both eyes) or pool in the eyes. These signs are commonly noticed
when an infant is 3 to 12 weeks old.
Other signs of blockage include mucus or yellow fluid in the eye and red
skin where tears have been rubbed.
Signs of infection include red, watery eyes that ooze pus. The child may
also have a fever.
The infected area may swell. A sac of fluid may form under the skin.
A stye usually begins as a red, tender, swollen area at the edge of an eyelid.
The stye often swells and becomes tender (painful to touch). It may ooze
pus.
The eyes may water. They may become sensitive to light. It may feel like
there is something in the eye.
A yellow spot may appear at the center of the swollen area.
Swollen spots also can develop from blockage. The spot may seem like a stye
at first. It may be swollen, red, and irritated. After a few days, the spot
is no longer painful but often continues to swell. A red or gray area may
form under the eyelid.
Is it contagious?
An infection may be contagious. Talk to your doctor.
How is it treated?
Infants with blockage sometimes do not need treatment. The tear glands may
develop correctly by the time an infant is 6 months old.
Sometimes, massaging the eye can help blockage. Talk to your doctor first.
Infections can sometimes be treated with antibiotics.
Putting a warm pad on the eye may help with blockage, infections, and styes.
Severe infections or blockage may need surgery.
Encourage your child not to squeeze or rub her eyes. Wash hands often.
Do not wear eye make-up until the eye is better. Wash the face and eyes
gently each day with warm water.
When should I call the doctor?
Talk to your doctor eye about problems. The doctor might recommend you take
your child to an otorhinolaryngologist (ear, nose, and throat doctor) or an
ophthalmologist (eye doctor).
Talk to your doctor if you have questions and concerns about your child's
treatment or condition.
Quick Answers
The eyelids and tear glands help protect the eyes and keep them moist.
The eyelids can become irritated and swell or get infected. Sometimes the
eyelids do not close or stay open as well as they should.
The tear glands can become partially or completely blocked. They can get
infected.
Eyelid and tear gland problems can be a symptom of an illness or allergy.
They can be the result of an infection or injury. Babies may have problems
if their tear glands or eyelids did not grow properly before birth.
A person of any age can have eyelid or tear gland problems. Certain types
are more common in infants or adults.
Signs of problems include red, irritated eyes. Areas that itch, swell, or
are painful to touch could indicate infection or blockage. Pus, mucus, or
fluid may drain from the eyes. Tears may pool in the eyes.
An infection may be contagious. Talk to your doctor.
Encourage your child not to squeeze or rub her eyes if they are irritated.
Sometimes putting a warm or cold pad on the eyes will help. Keep the eyes
clean.
Talk to your doctor about eye problems.
References
American Academy of Pediatrics. Common Vision and Eye Problems. Medem. 2000
(cited 2002 March 26).
The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. Dacryostenosis (Blocked Tear Duct).
1996-2001 (cited 2002 March 26).
The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. Hordeolum (Stye). 1996-2001 (cited
2002 March 26).
Merck Manual. Eyelid and Tear Gland Disorders. 1995-2002 (cited 2002 March
26).
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