CHALAZION
If an oil-secreting gland in the eyelid becomes blocked, the gland enlarges, creating a swelling called a chalazion. A chalazion may at first look like a stye, but, unlike a stye, it is not on the eyelid margin. Usually, the pain and redness associated with a chalazion disappear after a few days. However, if the swelling is large, it may cause long-them discomfort, and pressure on the front of the eye can interfere with vision.
WHAT MIGHT BE DONE?
If your doctor diagnoses a chalazion, he or she will probably wait for several weeks before arranging any treatment because it will probably disappear on its own. Meanwhile, if the chalazion is painful or irritating, holding a clean, warm, damp cloth against it may help.
A persistent chalazion can be treated by simple operation in which a small cut is made in the inner surface of the eyelid and the contents of the swelling removed. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia and is painless.
PTOSIS
Drooping of the upper eyelid due to weakness of the muscle that raises it is called ptosis. The condition may be the result of a problem with the muscle or nerve that controls the eyelid. The sagging lid may partly or totally close the eye. One or both eye may be affected.
Ptosis is occasionally present from birth. If a baby’s eyelid droops and it covers the pupil, his or her vision may not develop normally and early treatment is vital.
Ptosis in adults can occur as a part of the aging process, or it may be a symptom of myasthenia gravis, which causes progressive muscle weakness. If ptosis starts suddenly, it may be due to a brain tumor or a defective blood vessel in the brain. If you develop ptosis, see your doctor to rule out a serious underlying disorder.
WHAT IS THE TREATMENT?
Ptosis in babies can be corrected by surgically tightening the eyelid muscle. If the treatment is carried out early, the child’s vision should develop normally.
In adults, surgery for ptosis should be carried out only after any possible significant underlying disorders have been ruled out. Surgery is very effective for ptosis caused by the aging process.
WATERY EYE
Watery eye usually results from irritation of the eye by a foreign body such as a particle of dirt. Older people often have watery eye as a result of ectropion, in which the eyelashes rub against the eye, or ectropion, in which tears do not drain away normally. The watering usually stops when the irritant is removed or the underlying condition is corrected. Watery eye may also occur as a result of a blocked nasolacrimal system (which drains tears), possibly caused by an infection of the eye or sinus infection.
Babies may have watery eyes because the nasolacrimal system is underdeveloped. Gently massaging between the corner of the eyelid and the nose may help. The condition usually corrects itself by age 6 months. Persistent blockage, at any age, must be treated by a doctor, who may clear the blockage by inserting a fine probe into the tear duct.
XEROPHTHALMIA
Xerophthalmia, which occurs mainly in developing countries, means dryness of the eye. The condition is caused by a dietary deficiency of vitamin A.
Left untreated, xerophthalmia leads to chronic infection and the cornea (the transparent part of the front of the eye) may soften and perforate. Infection may then spread inside the eye and blindness may result. Artificial tears may relieve dryness, but the main treatment is large doses of vitamin A.