Eyelid swelling

The eye is often painful and can be caused by multiple factors. Infection can indicate serious illness or medical emergency. Treatment will vary depending upon the problem. Possible causes of eyelid swelling may be described.

Possible causes include: a stye or chalazion an allergy an infection , such as pink eye or blepharitis a health condition, such as Graves disease or liver failure a blocked tear duct

In this article, learn more about these and some other causes of a swollen eyelid, and get some tips on how to treat and prevent each cause.

Swollen eyelid causes

A swollen eyelid is often a symptom of another medical condition, including: Allergies Inflamed eyelids ( blepharitis ) Pinkeye (conjunctivitis) Shingles A clogged oil gland in your eyelids called MGD.

Is your (or your child’s) eyelid swollen? Swelling in or around the eyes can be uncomfortable, unattractive and unsettling. Especially when the swelling is sudden or ongoing. If you’re unsure what’s causing your eyelid to swell, contact an eye doctor now. They can help you discern the issue and advise you on appropriate treatment.

Severe swelling (shut or almost) of both eyes Severe swelling (shut or almost) of one eye with fever Eyelid (outer) is very red and swollen with fever Loss of vision or double vision Your child looks or acts very sick You think your child needs to be seen, and the problem is urgent.

Swollen eyelid causes –  Swelling Scale

Mild: eyelid is puffy, but can open eyes like normal

Moderate: more than puffy, but eyes still open some

Severe: eyelids swollen shut or almost shut.

Common swollen eyelid causes

Almost everyone has swollen brows. Some common conditions are more severe and can require eye exams and no home treatment.

Swollen eyelid causes?

The appearance of drooping eyelids is usually due to allergic reactions or serious eye infections. Eye disease Styes (red, painless lumps under eyelids) Crying Eye injury like hitting a slit near your eye; insect bite allergies; eyelid dryness or flaking Cyst Blepharitis (inflammation near eyelid base).

What Causes Swollen Eyelids?

Swells on eyeslids can be a variety of reasons and may be accompanied by different symptoms, depending on severity of illness. The swelling in the lids is an immediate symptom. They may feel irritable but they’ll be gone. Your lids can swell from swelling surrounding an inflamed area around an eyelid or excessive fluid. The feeling is sometimes painful and itchy but also looks strange. Other symptoms that can be caused by enlarged eyelids and swelling of the eyelids include:

Eyelid irritation- swollen eyelid causes

Eyelids may become puffy, swollen and red when exposed to dust, sand. Without allergic symptoms your eye is typically white or watery.

Swollen eyelids from insect bites, pollens or other allergies are itchy. Swollen eyelids from eyelid infections are painful and tender to the touch.

Rubbing from any cause will make the eyelids puffy.

Allergies- swollen eyelid causes

Examples are foods or medicines. May be part of a severe allergic reaction. Allergic reactions to antibiotic eyedrops can cause severe swelling of both eyes.

Sinusitis- swollen eyelid causes

Sinusitis is usually caused by bacterial or viral infection, although it may also be caused by allergy. Sinusitis affecting the sinuses just beneath the eyes can cause puffiness around the eyes, affecting the eyelids. The eyelids are not usually red, sore or itchy.

Fluid retention- swollen eyelid causes

Fluid retention and tissue swelling of this type can occur because of a generalized allergic reaction or because you are retaining fluid due to medication or to a medical condition such as heart failure or preeclamp. In some cases intravenous fluid can cause swelling of the eyelids and face. The extra fluid accumulates in the face and eyes and is not evenly distributed across your face.

Eyelid Swelling Without a Cause

What You Should Know about Eyelid Swelling Without a Cause:

Most eye swelling without a cause is from rubbing the eyes. The eye tissues are loose and easily swell. The rubbing is often from getting an irritant in the eye. It’s often seen in young children who touch their eyes with dirty hands. While eating, some children even get food in
their eyes.

Fluid retention due to other medical conditions- swollen eyelid causes

Having excess liquid in the body may be referred to as an infection. While fluid retention can be seen on the fingers around the lips and lower face in the legs as well as the foot, ankle and lower side of the back, you may notice it first on the eyelid as it affects your face appearance.

Eyelid trauma and black eye- swollen eyelid causes

Generally any eye injury to the face makes it stiff, bruised, and swelling usually worse the following days. A black eye occurs from a direct damage to an eyelid or from a knock to the nose or forehead in some instances. A blow to the nose can lead to black eye and cosmetic surgeries on either the nose and face can be the same outcome.

Black eye

A loose skin layer on eyelids can make blood easily dribble into this area if injured. As the black eyes heal slowly, the swelling reduces and the bruising passes dozens of stages before disappearing. Several months after this swelling should go away. Please refer et al.’s separate leaflet on eye injury and other eye injury problems.

Blepharitis- swollen eyelid causes

Symptoms and Causes What are the signs and symptoms of blepharitis? There are several signs and symptoms of blepharitis. They may include: Swollen eyelids and/or greasy eyelids. Red, irritated eyes that itch or burn. Crusting of eyelashes and eyelid corners, making your eyelids stick together. Flakes of skin collecting around your eyes and eyelids. Dry eye or excessive tearing. Excessive blinking. Other signs and symptoms may include: Photophobia

Head trauma- swollen eyelid causes

An additional important fact in the Black Eye report that a head injury which occurs at the skull’s base may cause two swelling black eyes – sometimes referred to as the ‘raccoon eyes’ See separate leaflet titled Head injury.

How do you treat a swollen eyelid?

It depends upon the reason for this. An experienced medical practitioner can suggest appropriate approaches and solutions.

When should a person see a doctor for a swollen eyelid causes?

People prefer to seek medical treatment immediately so they can get an accurate diagnosis and, if necessary, antibiotics.

Always see a doctor if your bump or swelling does not start to improve after 1 week or if the swelling is worsening. Emergency symptoms See a doctor immediately if your swollen eyelids are accompanied by pain.

If symptoms persist for more than 24hrs or more the person’s eyesight changes if it is irritated or if a fever is asymptomatic.

What you can expect after treatment Depending on the cause, swollen eyelids take anywhere from a few days to several weeks to clear up. Be sure to stay indoors when you can if allergies are the cause. If your swollen eyelids are due to crying , try to wash your face before you go to bed.

4 tips for preventing swollen eyes

Take allergy tests.

If you have allergies or have recurring eyelid pain, it is helpful to know what you are allergic to. Choose beauty products hypoallergenic and non-scented for the prevention of allergic reactions. Do a patch test on your wrist before you apply makeup to your skin to reduce allergic reactions.

Use eye drops with preservatives. The use of eye drops helps reduce bacteria growth although some people might be allergic. When using contact lenses, your eyes may become more sensitive and your skin might be affected.

Cosmetics, including nail polish, can cause an allergic reaction that leads to a swollen eyelid. Careful handwashing can help prevent a reaction to contact lens solutions and other products used around the eyes. Do a patch test on the inside of your wrist before using the makeup on your face to prevent an allergic reaction near your eyes.

Bacterial infection- swollen eyelid caues

A bacterial infection of the eyelid. Caused by spread from nearby infected wound or insect bite. The eyelid is very red and usually painful to touch.

Symptoms of Infection

Symptoms include swollen eyeslids or infections. Symptoms may appear but are more severe and need immediate attention.

Can you get swollen eyelids from COVID?

A: It is possible, but unlikely, to get swollen eyelids as a symptom of COVID-19 . However, a COVID-19 diagnosis does not mean that you will necessarily experience eyelid swelling. It’s also possible that your swollen eyelids are caused by another condition, such as allergies or blepharitis.

How Can You Prevent Eyelid Swelling?

Although you cannot prevent the swelling from happening, you can prevent them.

Until your symptoms get better, don’t wear eye makeup or contact lenses .

Care for dry eyes . Use over-the-counter artificial tears to keep your eyes moist. Antihistamine drops can help with allergies

Eyelid skin infection- swollen eyelid causes

The eyelids may have infection causing visible swelling, redness, itching and swelling. Infection can spread through other facial areas as well as to the eyelid. Infection of skin varies in nature from cellulitis impetiga to erysipela. If your skin integrity is damaged it may cause skin irritation. The problem can be caused by bites from insects or if an accident is caused by a skin rash.

Angio-oedema (sometimes called angio-neurotic oedema)

It is mostly an allergic response and can lead to visible bruising and sometimes itching on the affected area of the skin. Mostly they affect eyes and faces less frequently and also lining the windpipe.

Less Common Medical Conditions Associated With Swollen Eyelids

The symptoms of swollen and dry eyelashes can include a variety of health issues. Treatment is homebound, but treating underlying diseases and conditions is critical.

Eye Styes and Chalazion- swollen eyelid causes

Symptoms include inflammation and disease. Those bacteria can enter eyelids and cause oil production. Styes are itchy and tender. The eyes look redish on the lids most often. During the initial stain the eye can feel sensitive and sometimes bruised. Chalazions occur when a gland has become blocked. The gland forms an irritable lump that can cause red or swelling on the eyelids. If you’ve got dry skin, use a hot wet compress to apply it several hours each time you’re in it. It often helps to clear out blocked pores on your eyes. Styes can then be removed and healed as soon as possible.

Symptoms of swollen eyes

Swelling the eyelids is a sign of the cause of allergies or infections. If you are suffering from a swollen eyelid, you may also suffer from it. Sensitivity to light and photography. Several tears will be released which water your eyes. Obstructible sight depends on severity of swelling. Red eyelids. Redness in white eyes. Eyes bleed. Eyelids can dry and flake easily. Soreness, especially in infections. This article explains more commonly seen swollen eyes.

The Difference Between Puffy and Swollen Eyelids

Often a patient has swollen eyelids or a puffy eye. It is important to remember that puffy and swollen are distinct. Puffy eyes can be inherited from unable sleep or from crying. Stress, fatigue and allergies can cause puffy eyes and make you feel irritated and irritable. Puffy eyes are usually free of any other side effects and are easily treated in a hospital.

Treatment for Eye Swelling

How should I treat eye swelling depends in part upon its causes. You should contact your doctor to diagnose your problems and take prescribed medication. If there is slight pain in your neck and shoulders, there are a few ways to treat it.

Eye Drops:

The eyelid swelling often will improve after a cold pack or Benadryl is given. Age 6 years and older. For eyelid swelling that interferes with vision after cold pack, use some eye drops. Use a long-acting vasoconstrictor eye drop (such as Visine). No prescription is needed. Dose: 1 drop every 8 to 12 hours as needed for 1 or 2 days. Do not use for over 5 days. Reason: Will cause red eyes from rebound effect. What to Expect: Itching may last for 2 days.

Best blepharitis treatment for swollen eyelid causes

The best treatment for symptoms of swollen eyelid causes – crusty eyelids.

References

More Related Topics Eye Health Reference Menu Swollen Eyelid Written by Stephanie Booth Medically Reviewed by Whitney Seltman, OD on April 04, 2022

Graves disease. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK448195/ Pollen allergy. (2022)