2023-08-12 02:28:48
Sun exposure and certain practices in the summer months increase the risk of eyelid tumors and eye disorders. Both processes can be prevented and treated.
The eyes are one of the parts of the body exposed to the sun, especially in the summer months, although very often they are not as protected as they should be. The skin that covers them, like any other area of the human body, can be the seat of the development of different tumors, both on the eyelids and on the inner edge of the eye, known as palpebral tumors.
Basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas are usually the most frequent and have the best oncological prognosis, but in the worst case, more aggressive melanomas can also appear. For this reason, specialists insist on the importance of protecting the gaze from the sun, both due to the possibility of direct damage to the eyes and to the skin tissue that covers and protects them.
Eyelid tumors are those benign or malignant lesions located on the skin that covers both the lower and upper eyelids. Those of a malignant nature constitute between 80-90% of cancers in the periorbital region.
The latest statistics suggest that the most frequently affecting eyelids is basal cell carcinoma, which constitutes 90% of eyelid tumors. This is followed by squamous cell carcinoma, which constitutes 5% of these lesions, sebaceous cell carcinoma with an incidence of less than 5%, and melanoma, the least common, with a frequency of less than 1%.
The figures and the goal
“There are no specific and clear statistics in Spain for squamous or basal cell carcinoma in the anterior pole. Regarding choroidal melanoma, it is an infrequent pathology, but it is extremely important for the ophthalmologist to suspect it, diagnose it and refer it when necessary due to its high mortality rates. Both its incidence and its mortality have remained stable despite the changes in treatments,” Pilar López Criado, head of the Lung, Head and Neck Tumors and Melanoma Section at MD Anderson Cancer Center Madrid, told DM.
In the absence of conclusive data in Spain, in the United States, the frequency of eyelid tumors “is about 4.3 new cases per million people and there is no defined variation related to geographic latitude. However, men have a higher incidence (4.9 cases per million inhabitants) than women (with 3.7 cases per million inhabitants)”.
In general terms, between 50-66% of eyelid tumors are located in the lower eyelid, between 25-30% in the inner canthus or lacrimal area -these being the ones that are most likely to invade the eyeball-, 15% in the upper eyelid and 5% in the external canthus.
The objective in malignant tumors of the eyelid is to early detect lesions that may have malignant potential and that may affect the eyelid and eye, and even compromise vision.
In this sense, and according to Sonia Janneth, specialist in ophthalmology and subspecialist in oculoplastic surgery at Hospital Quirónsalud San José, in Madrid, early diagnosis of cancer always has many well-known benefits, but in the eyelid it is especially important.
“Fundamentally, due to its proximity to the eyeball, so that an eyelid lesion in an advanced stage can compromise, in addition to the eyelid, the eye and its visual function.”
These risks make it essential to pay special attention to this area, protecting the eyes from exposure to the sun and its ultraviolet radiation, using glasses with a suitable sun filter, especially in the middle of the day. The use of hats or caps that hide the face from the sun can also be incorporated into the routine.
“Prevention is based on the use of protective glasses and peripheral sun cream, as well as follow-up in the Dermatology consultation if lesions appear on the skin or eyelids that do not resolve in a few days and review with Ophthalmology,” considers Pilar López Criado.
melanoma care
If the appropriate measures are not taken, we are therefore exposed to the risk of developing eyelid lesions. “Although they are all malignant tumors whose extreme damage is the death of the patient, squamous or basal cell carcinomas are not usually as aggressive. Even so, it is vital to make an early diagnosis and apply adequate surgery for its removal, with sufficient margins to prevent future proliferation. The later the diagnosis is made, the greater the risk of having to perform deeper and more compromised surgeries”, considers this professional.
The eye area can also be the seat of melanomas, a lesion that, if not diagnosed and treated early, carries a high potential for metastasis and a high risk. Less common is anterior pole melanoma. There is also choroidal melanoma or choroidal melanoma, located in the posterior pole of the eye, and which is more frequent in people with light skin and eyes.
Surgery in early stages is the best option when the lesion is a fact, explains López Criado, but qualifies that “in choroids, for example, radiotherapy, performed in specialized centers, can be just as effective avoiding mutilating surgeries.”
It also highlights that great advances have been made in the few cases of squamous cell carcinoma that escape surgery or radiotherapy and the administration of immunotherapy or oral inhibitors for basal cell carcinoma. The great challenge, without a doubt, is choroidal carcinoma, a lesion in which new drugs are being explored”.
Surgical interventions to treat this type of tumor can have a significant impact on the aesthetics of patients, “who could see parts of their face or gaze modified, which is so important in personal relationships. For this reason, it is vital to go to a consultation to review any type of pigmented lesion that itches, bothers or changes its appearance”, with the aim of administering the least invasive treatments possible in the initial stages of the lesion.
Conjunctivitis; other stellar guests of the summer
Summer is the time to enjoy the good weather, the outdoors, the sun, the beach… But, it is at this time that we must also pay special attention to our eye health since it can be affected by different external factors.
Cristina Lara, an ophthalmologist, explains that one of the big problems of this time is conjunctivitis, which can be divided into two large groups: infectious (viral or bacterial conjunctivitis) and those that are not secondary to an infection.
Allergies would be in this last section, which are produced by a reaction mediated by the immune system when the eyes come into contact with the allergen -pollen, dust mites, fungi such as mold or particles present in the fur of animals- and irritative or traumatic conjunctivitis, linked to the presence of irritating agents. Chlorine from swimming pools, smoke, certain cosmetics, a foreign body in the eye, excessive exposure to ultraviolet rays and even dryness from air conditioning can cause this type of alteration.
This ophthalmologist explains that when faced with agents capable of negatively affecting this irritation of the conjunctiva, it is possible to adopt certain measures.
“Having poor hygiene is one of the most common causes of irritation. Washing your hands on a regular basis and maintaining perfect cleanliness in glasses and contact lenses is essential to avoid suffering from infectious conjunctivitis.
Being exposed to smoke, dust or different chemical agents can also lead to conjunctivitis. Finally, the summer season has many factors that worsen the state of eye health, such as the chlorine in swimming pools, long hours of exposure to the sun or the sand on the beach that can come into contact with our eyes”, he indicates. this ophthalmologist.
People at higher risk
Although it is a condition that can appear in anyone and of any age range, conjunctivitis can appear more easily in population subgroups.
“For example, people who wear contact lenses may suffer from it due to poor hygiene or misuse of them (more than 8 hours a day). Also in people who already suffer from other allergic disorders or with weakened immune systems. Workers who carry out their work in environments with high exposure to germs. such as toilets, or irritating substances. Lastly, it is also quite common for children to suffer from conjunctivitis due to the contact they have when playing and the large amount of time they spend in swimming pools”.
Simple preventive measures
According to the ophthalmologist, there are several measures that can be implemented to reduce or eliminate the risk of contracting conjunctivitis.
First of all, “not using contact lenses on the beach or in the pool to avoid contamination by bacteria present in this type of water is a good measure, as is recommending the use of waterproof goggles.”
In the same way, “it is beneficial to use artificial tears to avoid dry eyes, for which it is also necessary not to be directly exposed to fans or air conditioners”
However, the specialist indicates that, in case of presenting symptoms of conjunctivitis, “it is advisable to go to an ophthalmologist so that he can make a correct diagnosis and apply the appropriate treatment for each type of conjunctivitis.” Rachel Serrano
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