Swollen Upper Eyelids

Waking up with an upper swollen, or puffy, eyelid can be disturbing and uneasy, but with these treatments, the issue can be alleviated. An upper swollen eyelid occurs due to an inflammation, an infection, a blocked tear duct or oil gland, or an eye allergy. The tissues surrounding the eye build up fluid to fight off infection and causes swelling.

What Causes Swollen Upper Eyelid?

1. Conjunctivitis

Also called “pink eye,” conjunctivitis is a bacterial infection on the surface area of the eye. This infection causes inflammation, redness, and watery itchy eyes with drain. It is extremely contagious, for that reason it is essential to avoid touching your eyes or sharing eye items. Antibiotic drops from your doctor are normally had to recover the infection.

2. Infected Tear Duct

This is an infection most common in babies that causes inflammation and excess tearing. Babies might be born with a tear duct that is too little, and minor surgery might be needed if the condition does not improve after they turn a year old to unblock the duct. For treatment of adult tear duct infection, a warm compress used a number of times daily can help with drain and pain, and antibiotics might be needed for recovery.

Swollen Upper Eyelid
Upper swollen eyelid can arise from injury, infections, or other injuries to the eye area. Prolonged crying, trauma, or eye injury is a typical reason for swollen eyelids. Essentially any cause of inflammation to the eye area might manifest as eyelid swelling, although allergic reactions are likely the most common cause.

We have special article about swollen tear duct.

3. Stye

A stye, or hordeolum, takes place usually due to a bacterial infection. It is an abscess that appears like a little red, pimple-like lump appearing near the inside or outside of the eyelid itself. Styes are brought on by the staphylococcus bacteria, which reside on the skin. The pain can be alleviated with a warm compress, but the condition may require treatment with antibiotics if it does not react after a couple of days.

4. Infection of Eyelid Skin

This can occur due to the extended infection from a stye. If the stye is not dealt with or does not recover, the infection can infect the eyelid. If antibiotics do not efficiently combat the infection, a CAT scan might be essential to dismiss other more major infections.

Other Causes of a Swollen Upper Eyelid

5. Chalazion

A chalazion looks just like a stye, but it is not an infection. They are red bumps, but are painless, triggered by a blockage of oil glands in the eyelid that supply lubrication to the eye. They can disappear by themselves in about a month, or warm compresses can be used to speed healing.

6. Epidermal Inclusion Cyst

This kind of cyst takes place under the eyelid and might be present from the time of birth. These cysts may also develop after surgery or a trauma. The only way to treat this condition is with surgery to remove the sore.

7. Eye Allergies

Common allergens, such as dust, mold, mites, and pollen can likewise aggravate the eyes. Your body immune system overreacts to the irritant present, causing swelling, inflammation, and pain. It can likewise be brought on by a makeup allergy. The primary step is to stop using eye makeup to identify if that is the cause, and to take an antihistamine designed to stop the allergic reaction and alleviate symptoms.

Warning

Call your doctor immediately if you experience eyelid swelling that intensifies rapidly, causes pus-like drainage from the eye, or is accompanied by a fever, vision problems or a rash near the eye.

Reyus Mammadli/ author of the article

I’m the author and editor of this health blog, active since 2008. With a background in medical and biotechnical devices, I focus on making health and self-care topics—especially in ophthalmology—clear and accessible.

Although I’m not a licensed physician, I’ve spent over 15 years working with medical literature and guidelines, with particular attention to trusted ophthalmic sources such as the American Academy of Ophthalmology, National Eye Institute, and PubMed. I also follow the latest updates in diagnostics and treatment technologies.

My aim is to help readers better understand eye diseases, tests, and treatment options—so they can feel more confident when consulting a doctor.

Note: This blog does not provide medical diagnoses or treatments. It offers clear, reliable health information to support informed conversations with healthcare professionals.