The eyelid (Latin: palpebra) is a thin, movable layer of skin that covers the eye from the front, protecting it from external dangerous irritants (ultraviolet rays, dust, etc.). It also keeps the surface of the eyes moist, preventing them from drying out.
Author
Lilit Meliksetyan
Histologically, the following layers of the eyelid are distinguished: skin, subcutaneous connective tissue, muscle layer, tarsal plate, palpebral conjunctiva. In each layer, various lesions can occur: inflammatory, neoplastic, etc. The eyelid lesions can be both non-specific, which also occurring in different parts of the body, and specific, because of the peculiarities of the eyelid tissue.
Among of the non-specific lesions, the most common inflammatory disease of the skin of the eyelids is contact dermatitis, which can be caused by various factors: allergic or other physical and chemical irritants. Benign skin non-specific neoplasms on the eyelid may include seborrheic keratosis, simple warts, epidermoid cysts and nevi (moles).
Squamous cell papilloma is typical for this area, which is mostly a small benign neoplasm. Xanthelasma is also characteristic in this area, which is a yellowish soft plaque. The occurrence of the latter is mainly associated with a disturbances of fat and cholesterol metabolism.
Papilloma
Xanthelasma
The subcutaneous connective tissue of the eyelid and the tarsal plate contain the largest number of sebaceous glands – the Zeiss and Meibomian glands, which is why various lesions of the sebaceous glands often develop on the eyelid: inflammation (hordeolum), hyperplasia, adenoma.
Hordeolum
Sebaceous gland hyperplasia
Sebaceous gland adenoma
As in different areas of the skin, there are sweat glands here, some of which are modified and are called Moll’s ciliary glands. Hydrocystomas, benign cystic formations, can occur due to blockage of sweat glands for various reasons. The latter can be eccrine and apocrine, which differ in size, location and quantity. Hydrocystomas create mainly a cosmetic defect, but to confirm this diagnosis, a histological examination is necessary to exclude a malignant lesion of this area.
Apocrine hydrocystoma
Eccrine hydrocystoma
In the subcutaneous tissue of the eyelid, there are hair follicles from which the eyelashes originate, which also perform a protective function. Therefore, various formations originating from hair follicles can occur here: trichoadenoma, trichofolliculoma, trichilemoma, pilomatricoma, etc. Some of them are prone to malignancy.
Malignant formations on the eyelid are rare, but it is important to notice any changes in this area in time and consult a doctor to prescribe appropriate treatment and avoid further complications.
