Blepharospasm is a spasm of the eyelid that varies from a light, annoying twitch to forcibly closing the eye. While the cause of most cases is largely unknown, it may be caused by eye diseases like dry eye and medical conditions such as thyroid disease. Bright light, fatigue, and anxiety can exacerbate the spasms. We use Botox to relax the eyelid muscles and stop the spasms. Oral medication and surgery are other treatment options.

Styes and chalazions are infections that cause red, painful lumps near the edge of the eyelids. Usually resembling boils or pimples, they are the result of plugged glands that line the eyelid. Most styes and chalazions disappear on their own, but if they don’t, the doctor can inject a corticosteroid or drain the lump surgically.

Pterygium is a non-cancerous growth that starts in the clear, thin tissue called the conjunctiva; of the eye slowly passing through the cornea. The exact cause is unknown but is associated with excessive exposure to wind, sunlight or sand. It is twice as likely to occur in men as in women and can occur in infants. Symptoms include persistent redness from smoke, inflammation, foreign body sensation, tearing, dry and itchy eyes. Advanced pterygium can affect vision as it invades the cornea.