Like many other parts of our anatomy the eyelids seem to be simple little structures that we all take for granted. They just help us get to sleep by shutting out the light don’t they?!! But if we delve a bit deeper and take a closer look at our lids, there’s much more to it than that….

Eyelids are one of the thinnest areas of skin

Eyelids are one on the thinnest areas of skin on our bodies, and these slivers of tissue are rich in glands and specialised calls that fulfil several functions. Firstly, the complex muscles that control the lids enable us to protect the eyes from foreign bodies with the lightening fast blink reflex. Then, the action of closing the lids smoothly distributes the tear layer across the eye, wetting it, disinfecting it, and washing out debris.  The cornea, the sensitive layer that covers the front of the eyeball must be kept wet, so the lids have a vital role to play here.

Although the skin that forms the lids is very thin, it’s made of many layers – skin covering the lids, soft subcutaneous tissue beneath, layers of muscle plates, and then the tissue that lines the lid against the eyeball, the conjunctiva. Glands lie within the lid to add components to our tear film.

As they are such complex structures, there are several things that can go wrong with the lids. Physical defects can cause problems, such as ectropian, a condition where the lower lids turn outwards. This isn’t just in humans, you see it in many breeds of dog! It may be present at birth, or happen due to scarring or slackening of the lids as we age. It can be corrected with surgery. Entropian occurs when the lids turn inwards. This can be extremely painful as the lashes rub against the cornea. Treatment must be fast as if the cornea is scarred then damage may be permanent. Surgicial treatment involves removing the excess skin and tightening up the edge of the lids.

Ptosis is a condition that many opticians deal with, this is a drooping of the top lids due to probelms with the nerves or muscles. The drooping lids obstructs vision, and is treated with glasses that have a metal prop attached to hold the lid up, or by surgery. Styes are a common irritation, a blockage and then swelling of one of the glands that lie along the lid margin. These are simply treated with topical anti-biotics.

So next time you’re sweeping your eyeshadow or mascara along your eyes, spare a moment to take a look at your lids, and appreciate the work they do!