A total of 273 basal cell carcinomas involving the eyelids, treated surgically and confirmed pathologically, were reviewed. This is a disease of the Caucasian race, with no sex predilection. It occurs most frequently in the sixth decade and predominantly involves the lower lids. The clinical diagnosis was correct in 60% of these cases. The surgical procedure in 80% of the cases was simple excision. Exenteration was required in eight patients. Follow-up information was obtained on 209 patients. Complications, excluding recurrences, were noted in 18%. The recurrence rate was 12%. One half of those patients requiring exenteration developed subsequent recurrence. There was a tumor death rate of 2%.