a Small White Spot on the Lower Eyelid: Causes and Care

Q: a Small White Spot on the Lower Eyelid: Causes and Care

Hello Lisa： It is possible that you have a stone. <br>If it is a subconjunctival stone, it may not require treatment. <br>However, if you experience severe foreign body sensation, it will need to be removed. <br>If you are concerned about the pandemic, you can visit an ophthalmol

There is a small white bump on the inner lower eyelid?

Hello, Doctor: About a week and a half ago, I felt a slight foreign body sensation when moving my eyes, but there was no obvious protrusion on the outside of my eye.
So, I pulled down my lower eyelid and discovered a small yellowish-white dot near the sclera.
It is not very prominent and quite small, to the point that it is not visible from the outside of the eye.
However, my eye is neither red nor swollen, and I do not feel any pain or itching.
I initially thought it would resolve on its own, and after more than a week, the foreign body sensation disappeared.
But when I checked my lower eyelid again yesterday, I noticed the small white dot is still there.
I have read a lot of articles and am wondering if this could be a chalazion or a sebaceous cyst? Although there are no symptoms, seeing it when I pull down my lower eyelid makes me anxious about other possible conditions, especially since it is not very convenient to see a doctor due to the pandemic.
I hope you can provide some answers.
Additionally, because of the pandemic, all classes at school have been switched to online learning, which has increased my screen time.
Do you have any recommendations for eye care methods? By the end of the day, my eyes always feel particularly fatigued.

Lisa, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/07/10

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology

Hello Lisa: It is possible that you have a stone.
If it is a subconjunctival stone, it may not require treatment.
However, if you experience severe foreign body sensation, it will need to be removed.
If you are concerned about the pandemic, you can visit an ophthalmology clinic for an examination.
For eye care, you can use the 20-20-20 rule, which means that for every 20 minutes of computer use (if your class time is longer, take advantage of breaks), you should look away from the screen for at least 20 seconds and focus on an object 20 feet (6 meters) away.
Blinking 20 times during this break would be even better.
Online responses can only serve as a reference; if necessary, you should seek medical attention at a healthcare facility.
Gao Pilin

Reply Date: 2021/07/10

More Info

The small white spot you’ve noticed on your lower eyelid could potentially be a few different things, but the most common causes are either a chalazion (often referred to as an eyelid cyst) or a small accumulation of fat. Given that you mentioned the spot is not painful, red, or swollen, it leans more towards being a chalazion or a similar benign condition.

A chalazion occurs when one of the oil glands in the eyelid becomes blocked. This blockage can lead to a buildup of oil, which can form a small, painless lump. Unlike styes, which are typically painful and occur at the edge of the eyelid, chalazia can develop further back on the eyelid and may not always be visible from the outside. They can sometimes resolve on their own, but if they persist, they may require treatment, such as warm compresses or, in some cases, surgical drainage.

Another possibility is that the white spot is a small fatty deposit, which can occur in the eyelid area. These deposits, known as xanthelasma, are usually harmless and do not require treatment unless they become bothersome or for cosmetic reasons.

Given your concerns about the pandemic and the difficulty in accessing medical care, it’s understandable to feel anxious about this spot. However, since it has not changed in size or caused any discomfort, it may not be an urgent issue. Regular monitoring is advisable. If you notice any changes, such as increased size, pain, or redness, it would be wise to consult an eye care professional.

Regarding eye care, especially with increased screen time due to online classes, it’s essential to adopt good habits to reduce eye strain. Here are some tips:
1. Follow the 20-20-20 Rule: Every 20 minutes, take a break and look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. This helps relax the eye muscles and reduce fatigue.

2. Adjust Your Screen Settings: Ensure that your screen brightness is comfortable and that there is adequate contrast between the text and background. Consider using blue light filters or glasses if you find that your eyes are particularly strained after long periods of screen time.

3. Maintain Proper Distance: Keep your screen at least an arm's length away from your eyes. The top of the screen should be at or slightly below eye level.

4. Blink Regularly: When staring at screens, people tend to blink less, which can lead to dry eyes. Make a conscious effort to blink more often to keep your eyes moist.

5. Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to help maintain eye moisture.

6. Use Artificial Tears: If you experience dryness, consider using over-the-counter artificial tears to keep your eyes lubricated.

7. Limit Screen Time: If possible, take regular breaks from screens and engage in activities that do not involve digital devices.

If your eye fatigue persists despite these measures, or if you have any further concerns about the white spot or any other symptoms, it would be prudent to seek a consultation with an eye care professional when it is safe and feasible to do so. Regular eye exams are essential for maintaining eye health, especially if you have pre-existing conditions or experience new symptoms.

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