EPICANTHIS.
Epicanthis is a term implying folds of redundant skin extending from the internal end of each eyebrow to the inner canthus and over the lacrymal sac. It varies much in degree, is a more or less hereditary feature in certain families, and is not infrequently associated with other defects. The palpebral fissure varies in length in different individuals, giving a longer or shorter window through which the eye proper shall appear. Sometimes the fissure is much too short and requires division or extension, which is easily made by incision at the outer angle.
COLOBOMA.
Coloboma is a term applied to various lesions of the eyelid, the iris, and the choroid, implying a defect in structure, which, in the eyelid, leaves a V-shaped deficiency, corresponding to harelip, whose edges may be brought together by a simple operation.
STYE; HORDEOLUM.
The eyelids are subject to certain painful or disfiguring lesions, which frequently come under the notice of the general surgeon. Of these the most common is stye, or hordeolum. This is a phlegmon of one of the minute glands along the margin of the lid, which has become infected and violently reacted. It forms a miniature furuncle, often associated with conjunctivitis, and giving a disproportionate reaction. So soon as the presence of pus can be detected a puncture should be made and the contained drop of pus exvacuated. Threatening suppuration may sometimes be aborted by local use of 1 or 2 per cent. mercurial (yellow) oxide ointment.
CHALAZION.
A somewhat similar but non-inflammatory cystic distention of one of the Meibomian glands, which pursues a slow and painless course, is called chalazion. It presents rather beneath the mucous surface, but is often visible through the skin. Its contents are mucoid or dermoid. When it attains troublesome dimensions it should be exposed through a small incision, usually external, and thoroughly extirpated.
XANTHELASMA.
Small, elevated areas of dirty-yellow color are met with in the skin about the eyelids, more often near the inner angle. Such a lesion is called xanthelasma, the lesion being a fatty metamorphosis of a portion of the skin structure. While harmless, it is amenable to excision for cosmetic effect.