Swollen Eyelid: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

Eyelid swelling is when either the lower or upper eyelid (or both) become enlarged. A swollen eyelid is because of an accumulation of fluid in the thin layers of tissue that surround the eye.

Sadly, the majority of us have actually had to deal with a swollen eyelid at some point in our lives. Puffy, swollen eyelids can cause discomfort, humiliation, impaired vision, and difficulty using cleanser or cosmetics.

This issue can end up being major if it’s not dealt with correctly and/or rapidly. In many cases, puffiness, tenderness, and red swelling of your upper and/or lower eyelid are indications of infection. And sometimes the swelling can be accompanied by discharge in the corner of your eye.

Depending on the intensity of your swelling and the quantity of pain you are in, you may wish to look for medical attention instantly. You can try at-home treatments first, however if you’re not sure what caused it, it might be wise to ask a doctor.

Scroll down to see at-home remedies.

Swelling of the eyelids can be a sign of a more serious, possibly sight-threatening illness, such as orbital cellulitis, Graves’ disease and ocular herpes.

What Causes a Swollen Eyelid?

There is a number of things that can cause your eyelid to swell. Here are the most typical causes:

• Infections: Bacterial or viral infections can often cause swollen eyelids. These type of infections can be caused by improperly stored or misused cosmetics, by rubbing your eyes when your hands are filthy, or by any variety of other practices.
• Conjunctivitis: This condition, also known as pink eye, causes the white of your eye to become swollen, itchy, and red. Pink eye can likewise cause your eyelids to swell. This condition has a variety of causes, varying from bacterial infection to allergies. Sometimes pink eye can be contagious, so double check with your doctor.
• Orbital Cellulitis: This is an unusual condition including an infection of the tissues surrounding the eyes. If orbital cellulitis is left unattended, it can spread to the sinuses and even further. Cellulitis infection requires instant medical intervention. It’s more common in children, too.
• Blepharitis: This is usually triggered by a bacterial infection or a skin disorder. In either case, the eyelash follicles become swollen and painful, and the impacted individual may notice discharge from the eye, pain, swelling, blurred vision, and a gritty sensation when blinking.

More causes of swollen eyelids include:

• Styes: A stye (also called a hordeolum) is a type of eyelid cyst caused by a bacterial infection in the sweat- or oil-producing glands at the base of the eyelashes. It might be accompanied by pus, swelling, and inflammation. Styes typically disappear by themselves within a couple of weeks, and the recovery procedure can be speeded along by applying a warm, wet compress to the impacted eye every day for fifteen minutes.
• Chalazion: A chalazion resembles a stye. It looks like a small, firm, round blemish the eyelid, and it is brought on by eye-duct blockage in the eye’s lubricating glands. Chronic blepharitis patients are rather susceptible to chalazia. Like a stye, a chalazion will frequently disappear by itself, although sometimes surgery will be needed to eliminate it.
• Eyelid Dermatitis: This condition produces old and wrinkly, swollen, red, itchy, often scaly eyelids. It is caused by an allergy.
• Blepharochalasis: This is an eye condition, typically affecting children, that causes inflammation and swelling of the eyelids.
• Shingles: This condition is caused by the Herpes Zoster (chickenpox) Infection. It manifests itself as a painful, itchy rash, in some cases accompanied by fluid-filled blisters. Other symptoms include fever, photophobia (sensitivity to light), and tiredness.
• Eye Allergies
• Gland Obstruction, arising from an infection or overproduction of fluids within the eye.
• Contact lenses or services: Filthy lenses or specific types of cleaning options can contribute to swollen eyelids. Dirt on the lens can irritate the eye and the skin beneath the eyelid. Cleaning up options can likewise cause irritation. Talk with your doc if you’re having difficulty with either of these things.

Extra causes of swollen eyelids consist of:

• Lack of sleep
• Excessive salt in the diet
• Excessive alcohol
• Crying
• Too much sweetening agent in diet
• Genes: many individuals are merely born with a predisposition to swollen eyelids.
• High blood pressure
• Hormonal imbalances of the sort that accompany pregnancy
• Certain medications can cause tissue swelling all over the body. Often water retention is the offender.
• Dehydration

Anybody experiencing a single, abrupt, unexplained swollen eyelid should look for medical attention from an eye professional.

If you are experiencing eyelid swelling on a regular basis it could be due to an allergic reaction to your face wash, scents, makeup, or laundry detergent. If you have no recognized allergies, there might be a more severe issue.

Swollen Eyelid Symptoms

Swollen eyelids are typically accompanied by other symptoms. These symptoms can take place before or after the swelling starts. Additional symptoms may include:

• Soreness
• Itchiness
• Scale formation
• Trouble blinking
• Inability to open or close eye completely
• Pain
• Inflammation
• Puffiness
• Release
• Facial swelling
• Fever
• Loss of eyelashes

These symptoms can often be simply as frustrating as the swollen eyelid itself. It is exceptionally essential that you avoid touching or rubbing your eye and eyelid at all times.

You can introduce foreign objects or other bacteria into your eye by rubbing/touching them, which will just make the symptoms worse. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, or if your puffy eyelids are severe, then you ought to contact your doctor instantly.

Swollen Eyelid Treatment

Again, depending on the intensity and reason for your swollen eyelid, you might want to seek medical attention. Nevertheless, if you feel great that you know the cause there is most likely no have to look for medical attention.

However only as long as your condition does not continue for longer than it normally does. Some people are adequately in tune with their bodies to understand the specific reason for the swelling, particularly if it is allergy-related. For others, nevertheless, the swelling can come as a surprise.

The first thing you need to do, despite the reason for your swollen eyelid, is avoid touching, rubbing, or looking at the swelling. Staring at the swollen eyelid will only lead to touching and rubbing, so stay away from the mirror in order to avoid the temptation.

Prevent wearing cosmetics, including powders and base. Instead, try putting a cold, moist fabric on your swollen eyelid(s) two times a day. Splashing cool water on your face can help in reducing facial swelling.

Over-the-counter antihistamines or eye drops can help too. A couple of years ago, Allegra started offering their prescription-strength item over-the-counter, making it available to everybody without the requirement of seeing a doctor.

If you decide to seek medical attention, your doctor might recommend you a prescription-strength antihistamine, unique eye drops, or an ointment to treat the swelling. Your doctor will likewise have the ability to determine whether there is an infection or not.

Typical at-home solutions for eyelid swelling consist of:

• Anti-inflammatory creams
• Splashing cold water on your face
• Carefully tapping your puffy eyelids, which assists release and drain built-up fluid
• Consuming more water
• Preventing sweetening agents: some research studies indicate that sweetening agents might hinder kidney function and cause swelling (to name a few, more severe issues)
• Prevent salt
• Get more sleep
• Consume more fats like flax seed or fatty fish with omega-3 fats

Eyelid Swelling in Children

Common causes of eyelid swelling in children are trauma and allergies. Nevertheless, children can likewise establish a swollen eyelid from an eye condition such as pink eye (conjunctivitis).

Children likewise experience symptoms like soreness, burning sensations, watery eyes, and pain. If a child is constantly rubbing his/her eyes, it may be a sign that the child is experiencing an eye condition of some sort.

Just like grownups, treatment choices for children vary based upon the root of the problem. Children can oftentimes be offered the very same types of treatments that work for grownups. Popular treatment choices are:.

• Antibiotics
• Antihistamines
• Eye drops
• Ointments

Don’t offer a child over-the-counter medications to treat eyelid swelling before consulting their healthcare provider, pediatrician, or eye-care professional.

If a child has a swollen eyelid that hurts and hot to the touch, and is accompanied by a fever, take him or her to the doctor as soon as possible.

Complications of a Swollen Eyelid

For some individuals the swelling may be minor and may not produce any obvious complications. Others might experience:.

• Difficulty seeing
• A tough time putting on cosmetics
• Trouble cleaning face
• Possible issues performing normal jobs such as reading or driving
• Treatment choices might not be effective
• Eye infection

All in all, nobody is a better judge than you. If you feel the need to see a doctor, go see one. Period.

Preventing Swollen Eyelids

There are constantly things you can do to prevent a swollen eyelid. For example, to prevent a shiner, which generally leads to a swollen eyelid, constantly wear protective glasses.

Sunglasses made from polycarbonate are one way to safeguard the eyes from injury. Polycarbonate is a light-weight, shatter-resistant material with a UV coating. It’s long lasting and frequently used by children and athletes. If you’re interested in finding out more about polycarbonate and other lens products, you can do so here.

Extra methods to prevent swollen eyelids consist of:

• Prevent too much salt, caffeine, and alcohol.
• Get plenty of rest each night.
• Apply cold compresses to your eyes prior to going to bed in the evening.
• Prevent using hemorrhoid cream on your eyes.
• Take medications as directed by your doctor.
• Prevent irritants and understood irritants.
• Increase your consumption of specific vitamins.
• Ask your doctor to give you a list of foods you can add to your diet that can improve the health of your eyes and skin.
• Drink plenty of water.
• Talk with your eye-care expert about any issues with your eyes and eyelids.

Speaking to Your Optometrist

Before your next appointment, compose these concerns to ask your doctor:

• What is triggering my swollen eyelids?
• What tests might help us to figure out a cause?
• Is my medication causing the swelling? If so, exist other medications I can try? What are the possible side effects of these medications?
• What can I do at home if my eyelids begin to swell?
• Which over-the-counter items work best for eyelid swelling?