Most of us don’t realise that how good our eye feels has everything to do with how healthy our eyelids are. Besides protecting our eyes, our eyelids holds a multitude of glands that secrete essential oils into our tears to maintain a proper tear film. Dysfunction of these glands leading to under- or over-production of oil results in abnormal tears and overall eye discomfort.
Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD) is more common than we know. Many young adults are plagued with dry eyes due to MGD. Meibomian Glands are the glands on our eyelids responsible for secreting just the right amount of oil into our tears. Sometimes, if our Meibomian glands get blocked or clogged up, there is insufficient oil in our tears and this results in abnormal tear composition and dry eyes.
Blepharitis is a term to describe eyelid infections. Symptoms are typically eyelid itchiness, discharge and redness. Our eyelids may become infected due to accumulation of oil or dirt at the roots of the lashes. Many times, inadequate removal of makeup is a major culprit. Blepharitis may be due to bacteria or mites, in which case it is termed as demodex blepharitis.
A Chalazion forms when hyperactive eyelid glands get blocked and the secretions are accumulated into a ‘boil’ within the eyelid. Often, it gets infected. It is a collection of pus and requires drainage through a small incision. Treatment includes warm compress, antibiotic eyedrops and ointment. In cases of recurrent chalazion formation, demodex blepharitits must be suspected.
Ptosis not only affects our appearance, but also causes discomfort due to lid heaviness and visual obstruction. Almost always, our forehead muscles are forced to over-compensate and over-work to lift the droopy eyelid. This may lead to unwanted tension headaches and browaches.
Persistent Eyelid Twitching can be brought about by local eye irritation such as dry eyes or MGD, excessive caffeine, excessive alcohol and foods rich in potassium. After treating any incriminating eye issues, unrelenting Eyelid Twitching can be treated by a local injection at the right area in the right dose.
