Eyelid Problems: Lumps, Bumps & Swelling



Dr. Michelson

Alabama Eye & Cataract Center eye doctor Marc Michelson, M.D. explained that eyelid lumps, bumps and swelling are fairly common eye problems many of us experience from time to time. The most common cause of acute lid swelling is an infection of the tiny sweat and oil glands emptying into the margin of the eyelids. Patients who experience an infection of an eyelid sweat gland, commonly known as a “Stye”, usually exhibits diffuse swelling of the lid with a tiny raised nodule on the lid margin that indicates the actual site of involvement. Inflammation of the Meibomian or oil glands in the eyelid will result in what is referred to as an “Internal Hordeolum” that can also result in diffuse lid swelling.

With time an Internal Hordeolum may result in the formation of a capsule in the tissue of the eye lid. The patient will then have a firm lump that can be felt through the skin surface of the eyelid. This lump, called a “Chalazion”, is an eruption of the contents of the Meibomian glands into the tissues that results in a granulomatous response with a cystic change. If the initial infection is minimal, a Chalazion may develop without any history of a swollen lid. If the lump does not resolve after treatment with warm compresses and possibly antibiotics we may need to remove it with excision or drainage.

Of you or someone you know experiences eyelid lumps, bumps or swelling please contact Alabama Eye & Cataract Center in Birmingham by calling 205-930-0930, visit Alabama Eye & Cataract Center or facebook.com/michelsonlaservision so  that we can help identify the possible causes and recommend an appropriate treatment plan.

Michelson Laser Vision and Alabama Eye & Cataract Center are leading eye care centers in Birmingham staffed by a team of specialists including eye doctors who are fellowship trained cornea specialists and cataract and lens implant specialists-all board certified Ophthalmologists-as well as Optometrists, Opticians, technical and administrative staff who provide eye examinations for adults and children, cataract surgery and intraocular lens implants (IOL), laser eye surgery such as LASIK for laser vision correction, diagnosis and treatment of cornea disease including cornea transplants, care for diseases of the retina including diabetes and age related macular degeneration and diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma.

Birmingham Ophthalmologist on Double Vision or Diplopia

“Double vision, which we also refer to as diplopia, generally results from either a misalignment of your eyes or a structural problem with the part or parts of the eye that let light into it,” noted Birmingham Ophthalmologist Tyler Hall, M.D. “There are two types of double vision. The first type is called binocular diplopia. The second type is referred to as monocular diplopia.”

Monocular diplopia can be differentiated from binocular diplopia by a simple test. If the double vision stops when you cover one eye, then you are suffering from binocular diplopia.  If the double vision persists even with one eye covered, that means you are experiencing monocular diplopia.

There are many different causes for diplopia. The problem can arise from the eyes themselves, the surrounding orbit, or the central nervous system. Causes of double vision include corneal infections or scars, cataract, eye muscle weakness from thyroid problems, nerve damage from diabetes or multiple sclerosis, autoimmune disease such as myasthenia gravis, brain tumors or aneurysms, strokes, head trauma, orbital trauma, direct eye trauma and even migraine headaches.

Double vision can occur by itself with no other symptoms. However, depending on the cause other symptoms may be present with diplopia that can include:

• Droopy Eyelids
• Pain with Eye Movements
• Headache
• Nausea
• Misalignment of one or both eyes causing a "wandering eye" or "cross-eyed" appearance
• Weakness of the other muscles in your body

“Double vision that's new or unexplained requires urgent medical attention. With so many potentially serious causes for diplopia, it's important to discover the reason without delay”, said Dr. Hall. A thorough history and physical examination are critical to localizing a disease process and guiding further tests and studies to identify and treat the cause.

If you or someone you know experiences double vision, it is important that they schedule an appointment for an examination. Please feel free to call Alabama Eye & Cataract Center at 205-930-0930, visit Alabama Eye & Cataract Center or facebook.com/michelsonlaservision to schedule an appointment.

Michelson Laser Vision and Alabama Eye & Cataract Center are leading eye care centers in Birmingham staffed by a team of specialists including eye doctors who are fellowship trained cornea specialists and cataract and lens implant specialists-all board certified Ophthalmologists-as well as Optometrists, Opticians, technical and administrative staff who provide eye examinations for adults and children, cataract surgery and intraocular lens implants (IOL), laser eye surgery such as LASIK for laser vision correction, diagnosis and treatment of cornea disease including cornea transplants, care for diseases of the retina including diabetes and age related macular degeneration and diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma.

Alabama Veterans’ Eye Health & Vision Problems

Alabama Eye & Cataract Center and Michelson Laser Vision in Birmingham want to thank our Alabama veterans for their dedication and efforts in protecting our nation and allowing us our freedom. Our Ophthalmologists & Optometrists wish to raise awareness among veterans of the particular considerations necessary to help preserve their eye health and vision. Military veterans of the Iraq or Afghanistan wars are more likely than those who served in earlier wars to have vision loss as a result of traumatic brain injury (TBI). Higher rates of TBI in these recent wars can be attributed to two factors: explosive devices have been a major cause of injury, and improved body armor has enabled soldiers to survive more serious injuries. Veterans of the Vietnam, Korean, or early wars are in or entering life stages when eye disorders like cataracts, glaucoma, age related macular degeneration (AMD) and diabetic retinopathy are more likely to occur. Also, like everyone in mid-life and beyond, Veterans may find their near vision decreasing due to Presbyopia or “aging eyes”.

The eye doctors and staff at Alabama Eye & Cataract Center and Michelson Laser Vision in Birmingham are committed to making sure that our veterans preserve and maintain their eye health and vision in order to take the fullest advantage of the freedom they have provided for all of us. Learn more about eye health and vision at Alabama Eye & Cataract Center by calling 205-930-0930, visiting Alabama Eye & Cataract Center, Michelson Laser Vision or facebook.com/michelsonlaservision for an appointment.

Michelson Laser Vision and Alabama Eye & Cataract Center are leading eye care centers in Birmingham staffed by a team of specialists including eye doctors who are fellowship trained cornea specialists and cataract and lens implant specialists-all board certified Ophthalmologists-as well as Optometrists, Opticians, technical and administrative staff who provide eye examinations for adults and children, cataract surgery and intraocular lens implants (IOL), laser eye surgery such as LASIK for laser vision correction, diagnosis and treatment of cornea disease including cornea transplants, care for diseases of the retina including diabetes and age related macular degeneration and diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma.

Cataract Lens Implants Instead of Glasses

Cataract lens implants instead of glasses are a frequent topic of discussion at Alabama Eye & Cataract Center as the number of “baby boomers” approach the age of cataracts. The numerous questions about cataract surgery, lens implants and the need-or not-for eyeglasses are quite valid as over the past 5 years, patient expectations and technology have driven a convergence of the goals cataract surgery and refractive surgery.

Traditionally, the goal of cataract surgery was to remove the cloudy crystalline lens and replace it with an intraocular lens implant (IOL) of equivalent optical power so as to achieve “emmetropia” thus allowing patients to have good distance vision. The goal of refractive surgery is to help patients decrease or possibly even eliminate their dependence on eyeglasses or contact lenses. Today, a rapidly growing cataract patient population wants to achieve both the benefits of cataract surgery and refractive surgery in one combined procedure.

In order to meet patient expectations of being “glasses free” and help patients achieve their personal vision correction and lifestyle goals, it is necessary for us to first carefully select the type and design of lens implant as well as to accurately calculate the IOL power. The types and designs of lens implants that we work with include the following:

Monofocal Lens Implants

Monofocal lens implants are the most basic type of Lens Implant used to correct vision after removal of the crystalline lens. A Monofocal Lens Implant can provide very good vision after cataract surgery-but only at one set distance-usually for seeing things at a distance such as for driving or going to the movies. A Monofocal Lens Implant does not correct intermediate or arm’s length vision for doing things like playing cards and seeing the golf ball on the tee, or even seeing computer screens clearly. Monofocal lens implants do not correct near vision for doing things up close like seeing medicine bottles, reading, or keeping your golf score, as these tasks require the correction of presbyopia.

Toric Lens Implants

Toric lens implants correct astigmatism. For patients who have significant amounts of astigmatism prior to cataract surgery, and who do not wish to wear eyeglasses to see clearly at a distance, choosing a toric lens implant can help them be independent of glasses for tasks such as driving that require clear distance vision. Toric Lens Implants do not correct presbyopia, so that most patients still require reading glasses or bifocals to be able to comfortably perform near vision tasks such as reading and intermediate vision tasks such as computer work.

Near Vision Presbyopia Correcting Lens Implants

Near vision presbyopia correcting lens implants provide vision correction at the full range of distances-far or distance vision, arm’s length or intermediate vision and up close near vision. Depending on the specific vision requirements of the patient, there are several types of presbyopia correcting multifocal and accommodating lens implants that can be used including the Crystalens® Accommodating Lens Implant, the AcrySof®ReSTOR® Multifocal Lens Implant and Tecnis™ Multifocal Lens Implant. Each of these works in a different way to help the patient achieve their vision correction goals of being able to see at a variety of distances without being dependent on eyeglasses or reading glasses. Patients choosing to have a presbyopia correcting lens implant will likely find that they can drive, watch television, play golf and keep score, read a menu, play cards or do crafts-without the need for glasses. Patients choosing a multifocal or accommodating lens implant typically experience a greater overall freedom from glasses, allowing them to participate in most everyday activities without the dependence on, or hassle of glasses.

“As cataract and refractive Surgeons, we routinely work to realistically shape patient expectations and then constantly strive to provide the medical, surgical and optical care necessary help patients meet or exceed them” commented Birmingham Cataract Surgeon Marc Michelson, M.D. “When patients ask us, “Do I have to wear glasses after my cataract surgery?”, we make sure to help them understand that we can offer them the possibility of a lifestyle that minimizes or possibly eliminates their need for glasses through careful lens implant counseling”, said  Dr. Michelson.  “For many patients, being able to live “glasses free” adds a level of convenience and comfort to their everyday lives.”

If you or someone you know has questions about cataracts, cataract surgery or lens implants (IOL) please free to call and schedule an appointment at Alabama Eye & Cataract Center by calling 205-930-0930,  visiting Alabama Eye & Cataract Center or facebook.com/michelsonlaservision.

Michelson Laser Vision and Alabama Eye & Cataract Center are leading eye care centers in Birmingham staffed by a team of specialists including eye doctors who are fellowship trained cornea specialists and cataract and lens implant specialists-all board certified Ophthalmologists-as well as Optometrists, Opticians, technical and administrative staff who provide eye examinations for adults and children, cataract surgery and intraocular lens implants (IOL), laser eye surgery such as LASIK for laser vision correction, diagnosis and treatment of cornea disease including cornea transplants, care for diseases of the retina including diabetes and age related macular degeneration and diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma.

Birmingham Diabetic Eye Disease Awareness

Alabama Eye & Cataract Center in Birmingham wishes to announce that November is National Diabetic Eye Disease Awareness Month. This is an important time to spread the word about this potentially blinding disease. We need to work to help patients avoid the complications of diabetic retinopathy, which blinds over 8,000 Americans each year. The vision loss from diabetic retinopathy can be prevented if it's caught and treated in time. A recent study found that more than one third of those diagnosed with diabetes do not adhere to vision care guidelines recommending a dilated eye exam every year.

As part of Diabetic Eye Disease Awareness Month we are urging people with diabetes to have a dilated eye exam every year. The longer a person has diabetes, the greater his or her risk for developing diabetic retinopathy. However, diabetic retinopathy does not only affect people who have had diabetes for many years, it can also appear within the first year or two after the onset of the disease.

Patients can help to reduce the risk of developing diabetic eye disease  by not smoking, controlling their cholesterol and lipid profile and blood pressure, as well as working to eat a heart-healthy diet rich in fish, fruit and green leafy vegetables and exercising. 

The key to successful treatment of diabetic retinopathy is early detection and intervention. If you or someone you know suffers from Diabetes please make sure that they are getting regular eye exams to help preserve their eye health and vision. Feel free to call Alabama Eye & Cataract Center for an appointment by calling 205-930-0930, visiting Alabama Eye & Cataract Center or facebook.com.

Michelson Laser Vision and Alabama Eye & Cataract Center are leading eye care centers in Birmingham staffed by a team of specialists including eye doctors who are fellowship trained cornea specialists and cataract and lens implant specialists-all board certified Ophthalmologists-as well as Optometrists, Opticians, technical and administrative staff who provide eye examinations for adults and children, cataract surgery and intraocular lens implants (IOL), laser eye surgery such as LASIK for laser vision correction, diagnosis and treatment of cornea disease including cornea transplants, care for diseases of the retina including diabetes and age related macular degeneration and diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma.