Eyelid Pain

Eyelid that consists of the thinnest skin, covers and protects the delicate sensory organ eye. Eyelid disorders usually do not affect your vision directly. But in case of bacterial eye infections, constant blinking and rubbing of eyelids may cause irritation and pain in the lower, upper or inner eyelid. The pain emerging from the outer parts of the eye surface is called ocular pain.

An eye sty or a chalazion leads to local irritation and constant pain. A lump is formed within the eyelid (lower or upper) due to a blocked oil gland. You can see it or feel it. This lump can be very painful to the touch. Not only children but adults also can have a sty on eye.

Blepharitis can cause pain as it involves inflammation of the eyelid. This is a common eye problem. It has a variety of causes ranging from allergies and irritation to infection and skin cancer. It is mostly caused due to unhygienic lifestyle leading to bacterial infections. Swelling is noticed on the edge of the eyelid.

There are two types of blepharitis, anterior and posterior. The anterior one affects the outer part of the eyelid (from where the eyelashes grow) while the posterior one affects the inner part, leading to inner eyelid pain.

Itching, irritation, burning sensation, and the sensation that 'something may be in the eye' are some of the commonly observed symptoms. Some patients complain about dry eye too. Redness, warmth, pain and swelling (in advanced cases) can be noticed.

Eyelid disorders are innumerable in number. Ptosis of the eye refers to drooping eyelids, which in severe cases can be painful. Eyelid edema refers to eye pain and swelling due to various causes like insect bites, bacterial infections, allergic reactions from food, chemicals, eye makeup, and plants, etc.

If left untreated, it can affect the vision. Inflammation and irritation can cause pain and burning sensation.

Cellulitis leads to diffuse swelling of the entire eyelid. This can lead to burning or itching sensation. Swollen eyelid becomes tender, hot and red. The swelling can extend onto the face, and sometimes some discharge may also be noticed.

Ectropion or out-turning of the eyelid usually involves the lower eyelid. You can notice the sagging lower eyelid as it pulls away from the eye. There can be irritation, tearing, swelling, and redness of the eye.

The lower eyelid keeps the eye lubricated with tears. As it sags away, so do the tears. So the eye can become severely dry, and can lead to lower eyelid pain. Eyelid ectropion occurs along with aging or a temporary paralysis of the side of the face.

Entropion or in-turning of the eyelid can involve upper or lower eyelid. This can occur due to scratching of the eye by the inwardly pointing eyelashes. The process of aging can lead to such condition. Scarring, either from trauma, infection, or an inflammatory condition like shingles of the eyelid may lead to this condition.

Skin cancer can affect an eyelid, and can lead to pain and swelling. Calcifications or concretions can be seen on the inner side of the eyelids. Small and white particle or cluster of particles can be seen on the inner surface. Usually they are covered over by a transparent membrane. If they start eroding and scratching the eye, the person experiences severe pain. This is a rare condition.

There are several other disorders that can lead to pain and swelling of the eyelid. For instance, orbital infection, an infection behind the eye, infection of the tear drainage system leading to dacryocystitis, inflammation of the lacrimal (tear) sac, and thyroid eye disease. Along with swelling and pain, retraction (a wide-open eye appearance) is sometimes noticed.

Eyelids protect and lubricate the eyes. They produce oil secretions, and help drain away tears. Proper eye care and prompt treatment can help avoid eye problems and vision disturbances.

Disclaimer: This post is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.