Eyelid Lesions

Overview and Facts about Eyelid Lesions

Eyelid lesions are one of many ophthalmological conditions characterized by abnormal tissue growths that appear within or on the eyelid.

Your eyelids consist of the upper and lower skin folds that cover your eyes when you blink, and they are responsible for shielding your eyes from environmental damage and lubricating your eyes with fluid. Eyelid lesions affect the structure and function of your eyelids and can cause damage to the eye if left untreated.

Signs and Symptoms of Eyelid Lesions

Eyelid lesions can produce different symptoms depending on whether the lesions are benign or malignant. For example, malignant lesions often lead to eyelash loss and erosion of normal eyelid tissue if left untreated. Malignant lesions can also spread cancerous tissue from the eyelid to other parts of the body.

General symptoms include inflammation, burning, pain, and irritation within or around the eyelids. Those affected may also feel a sensation that something is trapped under the eyelids.

Other symptoms may include:

• Eyelid swelling or bleeding
• Blurry vision
• Burning or stinging sensations in the eye
• Visible eyelid deformities
• Eye twitching

Causes and Risk Factors of Eyelid Lesions

Some lesions are the result of a viral or bacterial infection in the eyelid. Environmental contaminants and debris can also cause eye lesions to form if the contaminants or debris are not removed from the eyelid.

Individuals with a family history of eyelid cancer may also be at risk for developing eyelid cancer lesions.

Tests and Diagnosis of Eyelid Lesions

An eye exam can detect eyelid lesions and determine their severity. In some cases, a high-frequency ultrasound device can diagnose the type of lesion present and monitor the lesion’s growth.

Samples of tissue may be removed from the lesion for closer laboratory testing and analysis to determine whether the tissue is infected with a virus or bacteria and if the lesion is cancerous or non-cancerous. Blood tests can detect markers of cancer.

Treatment and Care for Eyelid Lesions

Benign lesions often heal on their own or may be removed through surgery. Applying a warm compress to the eye and receiving antibiotic treatment might resolve or temporarily relieve symptoms.

Malignant lesions may also be removed with surgery, but radiation therapy may be required after surgery to destroy any remaining malignant tissue. Some lesions may also require additional laser treatment or cryotherapy to remove remaining lesion tissue after surgery.