Eyelid disorders: recognizing pathologic changes in the older patient.

The eyelids provide a vital function in protecting and cleansing the eye but are also the source of numerous disorders and complaints in your older patients. Clinically, the most important of these problems are suspicious lid lesions that may harbor malignancy, neurologic disorders, and structural malpositions that cause poor lid function and may damage the globe. Many of these disorders require prompt evaluation and often referral to an ophthalmologist for surgical management. Less serious problems such as blepharitis can often be treated in the primary care office setting.