Edema

 Edema

Definition

This refers to swelling of the eyelid due to abnormal collection of fluid in the subcutaneous tissue.

Epidemiology: Edema is a frequently encountered clinical symptom.

Etiology: The skin of the eyelid is affected intensively by infectious and aller-gic processes. With the upper eyelid’s relatively thin skin and the loose struc-ture of its subcutaneous tissue, water can easily accumulate and cause edema.

Symptoms: Depending on the cause (Table 2.2), the intensity of swelling inthe eyelid will vary. The location of swelling is also influenced by gravity and can vary in intensity. For example, it may be more intense in the early morn-ing after the patient rises than in the evening (Fig. 2.11).

Table 2.2 shows the causes and differential diagnosis for inflammatory and noninflammatory edemas.

Treatment: This depends on the cause of the disorder.

Clinical course and prognosis: This depends on the underlying disorder.


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