Blepharochalasis is a rare eyelid disorder causing recurrent episodes of painless swelling, usually of the upper lids. Over time, the skin stretches and becomes thin and wrinkled.
Symptoms and course
Attacks often start in adolescence and may gradually burn out.
- Intermittent eyelid oedema lasting hours to days
- Resulting excess, crepey skin and sometimes ptosis
- Usually no significant redness or itching between episodes
- May affect one or both eyelids
Treatment
Acute swelling is often managed conservatively, while surgery addresses later changes.
- Cold compresses and head elevation during attacks
- Blepharoplasty or ptosis repair once the condition has stabilised
- Exclusion of other causes of lid swelling such as allergy or thyroid eye disease
- Regular review to plan timing of any surgery
