What is a benign eyelid lesion?
‘Benign’ means non-cancerous and unlikely to be harmful. However benign lesions around the eyelid can irritate/itch and can catch. They can also get in the way of the vision or cause difficulties when applying make-up.
Please note that the Ramsay policy (eg Oaks/Springfield can other private hospitals) do not permit aesthetic/cosmetic treatments. Mr Lin can consult for you at Colchester Eye Centre instead.
What causes benign eyelid lesions?
There are lots of glands on the eyelids and these can become blocked and form cysts. Blepharitis can contribute to blockage and Mr Lin will advise regarding treatment for this. A few viruses cause skin tags to grow and these can spread to around the eyelids, similar to warts or verrucas.
What is the treatment for benign eyelid lesions?
As these lesions are very common and usually not harmful, the NHS sets out criteria for what will be funded for excision. It is important to remove them entirely to prevent recurrence. If there are any suspicious features Mr Lin will take a biopsy. At the end of the operation antibiotic ointment is put in the eye and a dressing is put on if the lesion was large. You will be given the ointment to use at home, usually three times a day for one week. Usually no more appointments are required unless a biopsy was taken.
What happens after the operation?
After the operation you can take the eye pad off after a few hours. You may find some blood and discharge in and around your eye. This is quite normal and can be removed by bathing the lids gently with cool boiled water. Once the anaesthetic solution has worn off you may have a little discomfort for a day or so. You can take simple pain-relief like paracetamol tablets if necessary. The eyelid may look bruised and swollen for a few weeks after the operation. Ice packs (such as frozen peas wrapped in a clean towel) will reduce pain and swelling. You should not wear contact lenses until the eye feels normal again. We advise that you do not go swimming for two weeks following your surgery.
If the eye is padded, you should not drive home after the operation so please come to hospital by public transport or arrange for someone to drive you home.
Rarely the lesion may recur after the operation. Usually this is because another one has started to form. In this case you should contact the hospital and arrangements will be made to see you again.
What problems can occur after the operation?
Mr Lin performs many hundreds of eyelid operations per year and will draw on his expertise to minimise the risk of problems.
• If the lesion is on the lower lid, removal may cause the eyelid to turn out (ectropion).
• If the lesions sits near the eyelashes, eyelashes may be cut and some may not regrow.
• If the lesion sits near the tear duct, the tear duct is at risk of damage and this would lead to eye watering.
• Bruising and swelling of the eyelids is normal. The surface of the eye may also swell. These changes will settle after a weeks, and will take longer to resolve in patients with blood thinners.
• Bleeding after the operation is usually slight and stops within a short time. If bleeding continues you should contact the hospital in case further treatment is required.
• A post-operative infection may rarely develop in the lids when they would become tender, red and more swollen and the wound may open and discharge. If this happens then you should contact the hospital as antibiotic tablets may be needed to help correct this and allow the lids to heal.
