Treatments
Eyelid Conditions
Specialist care for eyelid lumps, chalazia, eyelid skin lesions, ectropion, entropion and other eyelid concerns.
Dr Hannah Timlin is a consultant oculoplastic surgeon in London with expertise in eyelid conditions, eyelid position, eyelid lesions and reconstructive eyelid surgery.
Consultant at Moorfields Eye Hospital · GMC 6134773 · Surgery performed personally by Dr Timlin
Understanding eyelid conditions
Eyelid conditions are very common, and most are not serious. They can affect the comfort of the eye, the position of the eyelid, the appearance of the eyelids, and, in some cases, vision.
Because the eyelids play an important role in protecting the eye and spreading the tear film, symptoms that persist, recur or change are worth assessing carefully. This is particularly true of lumps or skin changes that do not settle, and of eyelids that turn inwards or outwards.
As a consultant oculoplastic surgeon, Dr Timlin assesses and treats the full range of eyelid conditions, with attention to both the health of the eye and the natural appearance of the eyelids.
Why choose Dr Hannah Timlin
Dr Hannah Timlin is a consultant ophthalmic and oculoplastic surgeon with expertise in eyelid anatomy, eyelid function and the surgical treatment of eyelid conditions.
Her practice includes the assessment of eyelid lumps and lesions, the management of eyelid skin cancer, the correction of eyelid malposition such as ectropion and entropion, and reconstructive eyelid surgery. She also has a clinical and research interest in how eyelid lesions are assessed and monitored.
Because the eyelids are delicate and close to the eye, she treats eyelid conditions with care for how the eyelid works and how it looks, and with the reassurance of specialist oculoplastic experience if a problem turns out to need more than simple treatment.
Eyelid conditions we treat
Dr Timlin assesses and treats a wide range of eyelid conditions. Some of the most common are explained in detail on their own pages.
Eyelid Lumps & Chalazia
Assessment and treatment of chalazia, cysts, styes and other benign eyelid lumps, with careful diagnosis and removal where needed.
Learn moreEyelid Skin Cancer
Assessment, surgical treatment and reconstruction of eyelid skin cancers, with attention to complete removal and preserving the eyelid.
Learn moreEctropion
Treatment of an outward-turning lower eyelid, which can cause watering, irritation and exposure of the eye, usually with eyelid surgery.
Learn moreEntropion
Treatment of an inward-turning eyelid, where the lashes rub against the eye, to relieve discomfort and protect the eye surface.
Learn moreCommon symptoms
Eyelid conditions can cause a variety of symptoms, including:
- Eyelid lumps or cysts
- Recurrent chalazia
- Red, sore or irritated eyelids
- An eyelid turning inwards or outwards
- Eyelashes rubbing against the eye
- Watery eyes
- A persistent eyelid lesion
- Eyelid skin changes, bleeding, crusting or a non-healing area
Many of these symptoms are caused by harmless conditions, but persistent or changing symptoms should be assessed.
When to seek specialist assessment
Many eyelid problems settle on their own or with simple measures. It is sensible to seek a specialist assessment, however, if your symptoms persist or keep coming back, affect your vision, cause ongoing discomfort, change the appearance of your eyelid, or involve a lesion that bleeds, crusts or does not heal.
Early assessment is particularly worthwhile for eyelid skin changes, because most eyelid skin cancers are slow-growing and very treatable when they are diagnosed early.
If you are unsure whether a symptom needs attention, it is always reasonable to have it checked.
Treatment approach
Treatment depends entirely on the condition, and ranges from simple measures to surgery. Many eyelid lumps settle with conservative treatment, while others are best removed with a minor procedure.
Where needed, treatment may include eyelid surgery to correct the position of the eyelid, a biopsy or removal of a lesion, or reconstruction of the eyelid after a lesion has been removed. Dr Timlin will explain which approach suits your condition.
Throughout, the aim is to treat the problem effectively while protecting the eye and preserving the natural appearance of the eyelid, and to be clear about what treatment can realistically achieve.
Book a Consultation
If you have an eyelid lump, a change in the eyelid skin, an eyelid that is turning inwards or outwards, or any eyelid symptom that persists or recurs, a specialist assessment can clarify the cause and the options.
Dr Hannah Timlin will examine your eyelids and the area around your eyes, and advise on the most appropriate treatment.
Reviewed by Dr Hannah Timlin, Consultant Ophthalmic and Oculoplastic Surgeon (GMC 6134773). For general information only, not medical advice.