Eyelids are movable structures that protect the eye from external factors, distribute the tear film, and support vision. Thus, minor changes such as swelling, redness, folding, itching, prominent blood vessels, unhealed sores, or masses could sometimes be a simple irritation but also might indicate eye diseases requiring treatment.
What Are the Causes of Changes in Eyelids?
Changes in the eyelids can be caused by aging, genetic factors, eye infections, allergies, droopy eyelids (ptosis), and thyroid diseases. These changes usually occur in the shape, color, or function of the eyelids.
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Infection and Inflammation: Inflammations of the eyelid margin like stye, chalazion, blepharitis, and meibomian gland dysfunction.
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Allergic/Irritative Conditions: Contact dermatitis, atopic dermatitis, seasonal allergies.
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Structural and Age-related Changes: Eyelid folding (dermatochalasis), droopy eyelid (ptosis), eyelid turning inward or outward (entropion/ectropion).
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Vascular-Circulation Changes: Prominent eyelid vessels due to thin skin, age, genetics, allergies, or inflammation.
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Tumors: Benign warts and papillomas; eyelid cancer is rare.
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Systemic Diseases: Thyroid eye disease, rosacea, edema from kidney and heart conditions, connective tissue diseases.
What Causes Eyelid Folding?
Eyelid folding is when the upper eyelid falls lower than normal. Genetic factors, exposure to sunlight, and smoking can lead to eyelid folding.
Ptosis is not merely a cosmetic concern. As eyelid drooping progresses, it may narrow the field of view, especially when looking up or while tilting the head, making daily activities challenging. Eyelid folding, which affects visual quality, is a condition that can be corrected surgically.
What Are the Symptoms of Eyelid Cancer?
Although eyelid cancer is rare, the eyelids are among the tissues where skin cancers are most frequently observed. Therefore, awareness of eyelid cancer symptoms is crucial for early diagnosis.
Symptoms to Watch For:
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Non-Healing Sore: A sore or ulcer that persists for weeks, consistently bleeds, crusts, or grows.
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Shape-Changing Formation: A sudden change in the color, shape, size, or height of an existing mole.
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Eyelash Loss: Localized and unexplained loss of eyelashes in a specific area.
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Structural Deterioration: Distortion in the shape or contour of the eyelid, inward turning of eyelashes.
If such symptoms are noticed, it is necessary to consult an experienced ophthalmologist without delay for proper evaluations.
What Causes Itching and Redness on Eyelids?
Itching and redness on the eyelid can be due to allergic reactions, eye infections, or irritations on the skin. These conditions often result from irritation caused by elements such as makeup products, eyelash extension products, or contact lenses that come into contact with the skin around the eyes.
The main causes are:
Allergic Reactions (Contact Dermatitis)
The most common cause of eyelid itching and redness is allergic contact dermatitis. The skin of the eyelids can react quickly when it comes into contact with an allergen.
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Cosmetic Products: New makeup products, eye creams, or facial cleansers.
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Airborne Allergens: Pollen, dust mites, animal fur.
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Medications: Preservatives or components in eyedrops.
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Chemicals: Contact with the eyes from products such as perfumes or hair sprays via hands.
Blepharitis (Eyelid Inflammation)
Blepharitis is a chronic inflammation occurring at the base of eyelashes or the edges of the eyelids. In addition to itching and redness, the following symptoms may appear:
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Dandruff and flakiness at the base of the eyelashes.
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A burning sensation and stinging in the eyes.
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Eyelids sticking together on waking in the morning.
Infections
Viral and bacterial infections can also cause itching, but this often comes along with discharge and swelling.
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Stye: A painful, red swelling from a sebaceous gland infection at the eyelash base.
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Viral Conjunctivitis: It may start with eyelid itching, but redness and watery discharge in the white part of the eye become more apparent later.
Dry Skin and Dermatitis
During the winter months, the skin drying can lead to itching and redness, or it may be due to an underlying skin disorder. These conditions often affect both eyelids, making the skin dry and flaky.
Why Do Eyelid Blood Vessels Become Prominent?
Eyelid blood vessels can become more prominent due to fatigue, stress, lack of sleep, or eye infections. This situation is usually temporary and can improve with rest, stress reduction, and eye care. However, if the prominent vessels persist as a chronic issue, understanding the underlying causes is important to distinguish between different possible conditions.
Thin Skin and Genetic Factors
The skin of the eyelid is one of the thinnest layers of skin in the body. This transparency and thinness cause the vascular network beneath to reflect less light, causing it to appear in bluish-purple tones. This condition is seen more frequently in individuals with fair skin or those genetically predisposed to having blood vessels close to the skin surface.
Aging
As age increases, the production of collagen and elastin in the skin decreases. This can lead to:
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Thinning of the Skin: Making the protective layer over vessels thin and thus more visible.
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Loss of Elasticity: Weakening of supportive tissue around vessels may cause more dilation and bring them closer to the surface.
Circulation and Blood Flow Changes
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Fatigue and Sleep Deprivation: During periods of fatigue or stress, blood flow can temporarily slow. This might lead to blood pooling in vessels and make them appear darker or more prominent for the time being.
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Alcohol and Salt Consumption: Excessive salt and alcohol consumption can cause fluid retention in the body, leading to puffiness around the eyes and increasing pressure on vessels, thus enhancing their prominence.
Medical Conditions
A sudden, painful, and unilateral prominence of eyelid vessels could indicate an underlying circulation problem or inflammation (phlebitis). Vascular lesions can also cause localized prominence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Eyelid Folding Affect Vision?
Yes. If left untreated, droopy eyelids can cover part of the eye, reducing the field of vision and complicating daily activities. In that case, surgical correction options should be considered.
What Disease Could Eyelid Itching Indicate?
Although it might stem from allergies or inflammation, if itching and redness persist, accompany an unhealing sore, or have intense discharge, consulting a specialist for infections or skin issues is necessary.
How is Eyelid Cancer Recognized?
Symptoms of eyelid cancer include an unhealing and continuously growing sore, sudden changes in moles, and eyelash loss in a specific area. These signs are important for early diagnosis.
Why Do Eyelid Blood Vessels Appear Blue-Green?
The prominence of eyelid vessels is due to the skin in that area being one of the thinnest in the body, and it is generally a cosmetic issue. However, sudden swelling or pain may signal a circulation problem.