Common inflammatory conditions affecting the eyelid

This table provides an overview of the common inflammatory disorders affecting the eyelids and their clinical features, diagnostic criteria, management options, and referral indicators for quick reference in a primary care setting. This is an overview, for details on presentation and management search / navigate and look for individual topics.

Disorder	Clinical Features	Diagnostic Criteria	Management	Referral Indicators
Blepharitis	• Itchy, red eyelids • Crusting at eyelid margins	• Clinical examination • Slit lamp exam for severe cases	• Lid hygiene • Topical antibiotics like erythromycin ointment	•Severe cases • Unresponsive to treatment
Stye (Hordeolum)	• Painful, localized swelling • Redness	• Clinical examination	• Warm compresses • Topical antibiotics if infection spreads	• Recurrent stye • Large or painful stye
Chalazion	• Painless lump • Mild eyelid swelling	• Clinical examination • Biopsy in doubtful cases	• Warm compresses • Corticosteroid injections for large lesions	•Suspected malignancy • Large lesions
Contact Dermatitis	• Red, itchy eyelids • Swelling	• Clinical examination • Allergy patch testing for chronic cases	• Identify and remove irritants • Topical corticosteroids	• Chronic or severe symptoms • Diagnostic uncertainty
Cellulitis (Preseptal/Orbital)	• Pain, redness, swelling • Fever in orbital cellulitis	• Clinical exam •...

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