Global Trends in Eyelid Diseases Over Five Decades (1975–2025): A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Background: Eyelid diseases encompass a wide spectrum of inflammatory, neoplastic, congenital, traumatic, and degenerative conditions that significantly impact ocular function, aesthetics, and quality of life. Over the past five decades, demographic transitions, environmental exposure, lifestyle changes, and advances in diagnostic and therapeutic strategies have altered the global epidemiology of eyelid disorders. However, long-term global trends have not been systematically quantified.
Objective: To evaluate global trends, pooled prevalence, and temporal patterns of eyelid diseases from January 1975 to December 2025 through a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted across PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library in accordance with PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Observational studies reporting epidemiological or clinical outcomes of eyelid diseases were included. Random-effects meta-analysis was performed to estimate pooled prevalence and incidence, with subgroup analyses based on geographic region, disease category, and decade. Risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale, and certainty of evidence was graded using the GRADE approach.
Results: A total of 260 studies were included in the qualitative synthesis, with 185 studies eligible for meta-analysis. Inflammatory eyelid disorders were the most prevalent category across all decades, demonstrating a rising trend in recent years. Eyelid malignancies showed a progressive increase in incidence, while degenerative eyelid conditions increased in parallel with population aging. Congenital anomalies and traumatic eyelid injuries exhibited relatively stable or region-specific patterns. Significant geographic and temporal heterogeneity was observed across all disease categories.
Conclusion: This 50-year review article highlights an increasing global burden of eyelid diseases, driven predominantly by inflammatory and age-related conditions, with rising oncologic relevance. The findings underscore the need for standardized disease definitions, region-specific surveillance, and integrated eyelid care to guide clinical practice and public health planning worldwide.