Disease-a-month : DM
-
Patients with infection or inflammation of the eyelid will often first present to their primary care physicians with symptoms such as redness, swelling, tearing, itchiness, or a foreign body sensation. There are a variety of conditions that affect the eyelid which can cause such symptoms, and the exam and history can help a provider differentiate some of the more common conditions. This article will provide a comprehensive review of the background, diagnosis and management of dry eye disease, chalazion, hordeolum (stye), and preseptal cellulitis.
-
Patients who experience trauma to the eyelid or the orbit may present to their primary care providers or directly to the emergency room for evaluation of their injuries. These patients will often be in pain and may have bleeding around the eye, which can make evaluation of these patients difficult. Many traumatic injuries to the eye require quick and immediate intervention. In this article, we will review the background, anatomy, exam and management of some of the most common eye traumas including eyelid lacerations, orbital hemorrhages, intraorbital foreign bodies, and orbital fractures.
-
The periocular region sees high rates of cancer compared to the rest of the body and can be affected by several unique tumors. Treatment typically involves surgical excision, although adjunctive therapies and prognosis vary depending on the diagnosis. Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common malignancy affecting this region and should be excised promptly. ⋯ Rare tumors that may be found in this region include sebaceous carcinoma, Merkel cell carcinoma, and microcystic adnexal carcinoma. While uncommon, these tumors are associated with poor outcomes and frequent recurrence. Recognition of periocular skin cancer is an important skill for primary care physicians, as prompt diagnosis and treatment can be sight or life-saving.