A swollen eyelid is unsightly and embarrassing and can be the sign of a variety of ocular conditions. Most of the time the cause is benign and will go away by itself. When the swelling is enough to cause pain and impair vision it may be time to seek professional advice. Sometimes the eyelid swelling is accompanied by other ocular symptoms such as redness, tearing and discharge. There are a few things that can be done at home including cold or hot compresses, eyelid scrubs and oral pain relievers. If there is any pus or other discharge it is generally out of the realm of home remedies and a proper diagnosis by an Optometrist or Ophthalmologist is best.
Here are some possible causes of a swollen eyelid:
- Allergies – Can be due to normal seasonal allergies or a reaction to beauty products like makeup and lotions.
- Contact Lenses – A contact that is dirty, torn or chipped so that it rubs the eyelid or a reaction to contact lens solution can all cause swelling.
- Blocked Glands – The eyelids contain numerous meibomian glands that produce the lipid layer of the tear film. These glands can become blocked due to lid disease like blepharitis.
- Stye (hordeolum) – A bacterial infection of the glands near the edge of the eyelid. This is the classic red, warm, swollen eyelid. As the stye works its way to the surface it will produce a head like a pimple.
- Chalazion – Involving the same glands as a stye but the active infection has resolved and immune system cells remain and form a hard, painless knot on the lid. These can go away by themselves or might require a steroid injection or surgical removal.
- Blepharitis – A chronic inflammation of the eyelid margin. Due to skin conditions or bacteria.
- Preseptal Cellulitis – A potentially serious condition in which the eyelid tissues are infected. Fever may be present. Often has a large, puffy, shiny look.
- Orbital Cellulitis – A potentially life threatening condition in which the infection has spread further back to the structures of the eye. This is an emergency and usually requires hospitalization. There is pain, redness, and pain on eye movement.
- Conjunctivitis – There are many varieties of conjunctivitis including viral, bacterial and allergic. The inflammation can often involve the eyelid.
Avoid angering the eyelid by rubbing or picking at it. If you have never had a swollen eyelid before it can be a disconcerting experience. The key symptom is pain, if you are experiencing pain, especially when moving your eyes it is important to be seen by an eye doctor.