Station 09 — Examination of Common Lid Abnormalities
Rapid Revision • Practical Skills • Viva
🎯 Candidate Task
Examine the patient’s eyelids systematically. You will then be shown clinical appearances of common lid abnormalities; identify each abnormality and state the important feature that distinguishes it from the others.
⚡ Model Station Answer
Examination: I would compare both eyelids for position, symmetry, lid margin, eyelashes and any localized swelling, redness, tenderness or discharge.
Ectropion: the lid margin is turned outward, commonly exposing the lower palpebral conjunctiva.
Entropion: the lid margin turns inward, bringing the eyelashes toward the globe.
Chalazion: a localized, usually painless, firm tarsal-plate swelling; stye is an acute painful, tender swelling near the lid margin.
🔎 How to Perform / Approach
🖼️ Visual Learning
Systematic Eyelid Examination and Common Lid Abnormalities

📝 Important Viva Questions
1. What is ectropion?
Answer: Ectropion is outward turning of the eyelid margin away from the globe, most commonly affecting the lower lid.
2. What is entropion?
Answer: Entropion is inward turning of the eyelid margin, causing the eyelashes to rub against the ocular surface.
3. How would you clinically distinguish a chalazion from a stye?
Answer: A chalazion is usually a firm, painless tarsal swelling, whereas a stye is an acute painful and tender inflammatory swelling near the lid margin.
4. Why can entropion damage the cornea?
Answer: Inwardly directed eyelashes repeatedly rub the corneal surface, producing irritation and potentially corneal epithelial injury.
5. What structures should you routinely inspect during examination of the eyelids?
Answer: Inspect lid position and symmetry, lid skin, margins, eyelashes and any localized swelling or inflammatory change, comparing both sides.
