ooglidrand

Ooglidrand, or eyelid margin, is the free edge of the eyelid where the skin meets the palpebral conjunctiva. It runs along the upper and lower lids and includes the lash line, forming the border between the external lid skin and the internal ocular surface.

Anatomically, the lid margin comprises anterior and posterior aspects. The anterior margin contains the skin and the eyelashes, with associated glands at the margin. The posterior margin lies against the tarsal plate and palpebral conjunctiva. The margin houses several glands: the meibomian glands run within the tarsal plates and open along the posterior edge of the lid margin to secrete lipids that become part of the tear film; the glands of Zeis surround hair follicles on the anterior margin; and the glands of Moll are apocrine glands near the lash line. The mucocutaneous junction marks the transition from skin to conjunctiva at the margin.

Functionally, the eyelid margin supports protective mechanisms for the ocular surface. It helps distribute tears during blinking, provides lubrication through glandular secretions, and maintains a barrier against debris. The margin’s structure also influences lash orientation and eyelid closure.

Clinically, the eyelid margin is a key site in several conditions. Blepharitis refers to inflammation of the lid margin and is categorized as anterior (involving lashes and surrounding skin) or posterior (often due to meibomian gland dysfunction). External hordeolum (stye) and internal hordeolum arise from infection of glands at or near the margin, while a chalazion results from blockage of a meibomian gland within the margin. Chronic margin disease can lead to crusting, lash loss, and tear film instability.