GP CLINICAL: Eyelid disorders.

Blepharitis

Blepharitis is more common in people with seborrhoeic dermatitis and rosacea. Treatment can be difficult and it has three elements - lid cleaning, tear supplements, and the application of topical antibiotics and steroids if required. Patients should be reassured there is no risk that the condition will damage their eyesight. This man had bilateral ectropion as well as blepharitis.

Ectropion

Ectropion occurs when the eyelid droops away from the eyeball. It is most common in elderly patients, whose skin has become lax, but it may also result from paralysis of facial muscles such as is seen in Bell's palsy or leprosy. The lower lid no …