Swollen Eyelid: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Do you wake up every morning wondering why your eyelid is swollen? Are you worried that it could be a symptom of something more serious?
Swollen eyelids are common, and mostly, the cause is relatively harmless. However, if swelling persists or worsens over time, it may be a sign of a larger problem requiring immediate medical attention.
This post will discuss the causes behind swollen eyelids as well as other symptoms to watch out for and effective treatments available. So, keep reading to learn more about how to care for your eyes and stay healthy!
What is a Swollen Eyelid?
The eyelid consists of eyelashes, sweat glands, tear glands and sebaceous or oil glands. It is a complex, fully functioning skin tissue that may develop inflammatory reactions. Its thickness is less than 1mm, with loose and stretchy tissue that is very capable of swelling.
Swollen eyelid is due to the fluid buildup around your eyelid skin. It may or may not cause you pain or itching and can affect your lower and upper eyelid.
Eyelid Swelling Causes
Eyelid swelling is common and can be caused by allergies, infections, trauma and injury, underlying medical conditions and dermatological conditions.
Allergies
Allergies, specifically allergic conjunctivitis, can trigger eyelid swelling. When the eyes are exposed to allergens, such as pollen, dust, pet dander, or mould, the mast cells lining the conjunctiva release histamine, which causes the conjunctiva to swell. It can lead to symptoms, including red, irritated, teary, and itchy eyes, burning, and eyelid swelling. Hot, dry weather can also contribute to severe allergic reactions.
Infections
Infections may either be bacterial or viral infection.
Styes
Styes is a bacterial infection in the eyelash roots. It causes a red lump at the edge of the eyelid, which may spread on the whole eyelid and become red and inflamed.
Conjunctivitis
Conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye, is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, the clear membrane that lines the inside of an eyelid. Bacteria, allergies, and viruses cause it. People with pink eye wake up with one or both eyes stuck with mucus. The eyes will be red, itchy, and irritated, and the eyelids will be swollen.
Herpes Simplex Eye Infection
Herpes virus can cause painful, red eyes. It is also called ocular herpes or eye herpes. This herpes virus can be passed through skin-to-skin contact. It weakens your immune system and usually has no symptoms but sometimes causes an eye infection.
Shingles
Shingles are caused by a virus related to chickenpox. Its rash can affect the face and eyes; a swollen eyelid is a symptom. Speak to a GP as soon as possible if you are developing shingles on any part of skin.
Trauma and Injury
Swollen eyelids can be caused by physical trauma and injuries to the eye area. When the eye is hit, blood can collect underneath the eyelid and lead to swelling. Eye injuries can result from accidents, including trauma from sharp objects, blunt force, and falls.
Underlying Medical Conditions
Various underlying medical conditions can cause eyelid swelling. Here are some of the most common causes:
Cellulitis
Cellulitis is a medical emergency that requires medical treatment. It is a bacterial infection in the lower skin layers. There are two types:
Orbital cellulitis - when sinus infection spreads, it affects the area around the bones of the eye socket. When you have orbital cellulitis, you will have a bulging eye with accompanying pain when moving your eyes back and forth.
Preseptal Cellulitis - an eyelid infection and/or surrounding skin. When you have preseptal cellulitis, there will be swelling accompanied by pain; mostly, only one eye is affected.
Chalazia
Chalazion (Chalazia in plural) is a small, painless cyst or lump in the eyelid. It can be due to the inflammation and swelling of the deep oil glands inside the eyelid.
Fluid retention
Fluid retention, also known as oedema, happens when the body cannot remove fluid in the body area, like hands, feet, and eyelids. The fluid retention in the thin skin around your eyelid makes your eyelids puffy.
Thyroid conditions
Thyroid problems like Graves' disease cause the eye to bulge. Though it may affect one eye more than the other, it sometimes involves both. Graves disease can limit eye motion and may cause double vision.
Nephrotic syndrome: It is a type of kidney disease that can cause generalised body swelling, including eyelid swelling.
Demodicosis: Lice or Demodex mites in eyelashes can block eyelash follicles and glands in your eye, leading to eyelid swelling.
Trauma or injury: Eye trauma or injury can cause eyelid swelling, often accompanied by discolouration.
Skin conditions: Seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff flaking can irritate eyelids and cause inflammation, leading to eyelid swelling.
Dermatological Conditions
Dermatological conditions like eczema or contact dermatitis can also lead to swollen eyelids. Eczema is a condition on the skin that causes it to be dry and itchy. It can affect any area of the skin, and it may also affect the eyelid due to inflammation and irritation. When it occurs in the eye area, it will result in a swollen eye along with other symptoms like redness, stinging and burning sensation, itchiness, oozing and skin dryness.
Signs and Symptoms
Eyelid swelling can be unilateral or bilateral. Unilateral eyelid swelling affects only one eye with the feeling of pain, itchiness or tenderness. In contrast, bilateral eyelid swelling affects both eyelids and may be asymptomatic with some itchiness and pain.
Symptoms of eyelid swelling may include:
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
Photophobia (light sensitivity)
Blurred vision
Loss of eyelashes
Diagnosis
A definitive diagnosis of eyelid swelling involves clinical evaluation and additional tests.
Clinical Evaluation
Clinical evaluation by a healthcare provider is important when diagnosing swollen eyelids because it can help determine the underlying cause of the swelling. During a clinical evaluation, your doctor will take a detailed history of the symptoms you are experiencing. They will inspect your eyelid for any signs of infection and check for any swelling or redness.
Additional Tests
Additional tests may be done to confirm and identify any underlying conditions.
Allergy testing: if there is a possibility of an allergic reaction, allergy testing can help determine the cause.
Blood tests: blood tests can help determine any underlying medical conditions, such as cellulitis or thyroid problems, that could be causing the swelling.
Visual acuity test - Imaging tests: imaging tests such as an MRI, CT scan, or ultrasound can help identify any underlying medical conditions.
Biopsy: if there is suspicion of tumour or cancer, a biopsy may be recommended to examine the tissue cells.
Swollen Eyelid Remedies and Treatment
Treatment for eyelid swelling depends on the cause. For eye infections, you may use antibiotic eye drops and ointments. Your doctor might also give allergy medicine, steroids or antibiotics that you can take orally.
You can try home remedies to relieve eyelid swelling to keep your eyes clear and healthy.
Apply Compress
Run a clean cloth on warm water and hold it gently in your eyes. Do it twice daily for 15 minutes to loosen hardened discharges and get rid of oil clogged in the glands.
Wash the Area Gently
After the compress, use a wet washcloth or cotton swab to clean your eyelids. Do this gently with a diluted baby shampoo. Rinse the eye area well after. You may also use saline solution to rinse any discharge around your eye or eyelashes.
Give It a Rest
When you experience eyelid swelling, don't wear contact lenses or eye makeup. Rest your eyes by avoiding direct sunlight and having plenty of sleep.
Use Eye Drops
Over-the-counter artificial tears can help keep your eyes hydrated. Also, antihistamine drops are helpful when eyelid swelling is due to eye allergies.
Preventing Swollen Eyelids
Various factors, including allergies, infections, or fluid retention, can cause swollen eyelids. Here are some practical tips for preventing swollen eyelids:
Reduce salt intake: Cutting down on salt intake can help prevent fluid retention, which can contribute to puffy eyes.
Stay hydrated: Water intake throughout the day keeps your body hydrated and reduces the likelihood of fluid retention.
Avoid rubbing your eyes: Rubbing your eyes leads to eye irritation and puffy eyes. Try to keep your hands away from your eyes as much as possible.
Keep the area around your eyes clean: Use gentle touch to cleanse the area around your eyes and remove any irritants that may be causing swelling.
Use a cool compress: Applying a cold compress or cold washcloth to the eye for 15 to 20 minutes at a time helps reduce swelling and pain.
Elevate your head: Sleeping with your head propped up on pillows can help reduce eye swelling by preventing blood from pooling in your head.
Use antihistamines: If your swollen eyelids are due to allergies, antihistamine drops, or medication can help relieve symptoms.
Complications
Complications that may arise if swollen eyelids are left untreated or if there is a severe underlying cause include:
Vision problems: If you experience severe swelling, it can cause vision problems like blurred vision or double vision.
Spread of infection: If the underlying cause of the swollen eyelid is an infection, it can spread to other parts of the eye or face if left untreated.
Chronic inflammation: If the underlying cause of the swollen eyelid is chronic inflammation, such as chronic blepharitis, it can lead to long-term eyelid and eye problems if left untreated.
Corneal damage: If the swollen eyelid is severe and prolonged, it can cause corneal damage, which can lead to vision loss.
Discomfort: Swollen eyelids can be uncomfortable and cause pain or itching.
When to Seek Medical Attention?
Eyelid swelling goes away on its own after a day or so. However, if symptoms worsen, you should see a GP or an optometrist immediately. They will assess your eye and eyelid and ask questions about the symptoms and changes that may cause it to swell, like infections, irritants, allergens or health conditions. Seek emergency medical care when you experience the following:
eyelid drooping
fever that doesn't get better
light sensitivity
double vision or vision loss
redness
severe swelling
Conclusion
Various factors can cause swollen eyelids. It's best to seek medical attention when symptoms worsen or if there is an underlying cause, such as allergies, infection, chronic blepharitis, or thyroid problems. Home remedies and self-care tips may help reduce the swelling, but seeing your healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment is still recommended if needed.
Additionally, preventive measures such as reducing salt intake, staying hydrated, avoiding eye rubbing, and using antihistamine eye drops or medications can help reduce the likelihood of swelling.