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Eyelid problems

Figure out what to do if there is a lump or if an eyelid that’s swollen, sticky, itchy, drooping, or twitching.

Eyelid with the eyelids are not serious.

Having any of these issues is relatively common:

  • A lump that naturally disappears after three to four weeks
  • Slight itchiness, flakiness, or stickiness of the eyelids that goes away on its own
  • Edema following an injury, surgery or adjacent bug bite subsides after a week or more.
  • Occasionally twitching or blinking, frequently when you’re exhausted
  • Eyelids that droop with age

Issues are typically not harmful

Many issues Types of eyelid problems

You can determine the cause of your symptoms. If you’re concerned, see a doctor instead of self-diagnosing.

Lump on the eyelid

Sings and causes

  • A painful swelling filled with pus looking similar to a pimple- Stye
  • A hard lump which is usually not painful- meibomian cyst
  • Yellow lumps- Xanthelasma
  • Blisters- Chickenpox
    issues are typically not harmful

    Swollen eyelid

    Sings and causes

    • Swelling- Allergies
    • Red, hot and painful- Cellulitis

    Itchy, flaky, or sticky eyelid

    Sings and causes

    • Itchiness, crusting, or flaking- Contact dermatitis
    • Red itchy, watery eyes- Conjunctives
    • Dry and irritated eyes- Dry eye syndrome

    Drooping eyelid

    Sings and causes

    • Having a lower drooping eyelid, turning outward and inwards- Ectropion
    • The skin above the upper eyelid droops downwards- Dermatochalasis
    • Sudden drooping accompanied by vision loss and headache- Rarely brain tumor

    When to seek a medical aid

    Seek the doctor if;

    • You have an enlarged eyelid that is red, hot, unpleasant, tender, or blistering
    • Suddenly, the discomfort in your eye causes your eyelid to drop
    • Your white eye is exceptionally red, either entirely or in part
    • You’re light-sensitive
    • your vision shifts, causing you sometimes to see wavy lines or flashing lights
    • You feel feverish and shaky, have a high temperature, or generally feel ill
    • You believe it to be an allergy

    If you have further questions or need personalized guidance, don’t hesitate to take advantage of our online doctor consultation free, ensuring you receive the best care possible.

    Reviewed by – Dr. Priyanka, MBBS MD Microbiology
    Page last reviewed: 16 JULY 2022