Swollen Eyelid: Meaning, Causes, Treatment, and More

Eyelids are like curtains over our eyes – a delicate component covering and protecting them.
The eyelids are also a complex part of the eye, with skin tissue, eyelashes, tear glands and sebaceous glands and muscles. They are designed to react reflexively to protect our eyes by keeping dust out, lubricating them and preventing any foreign objects from entering them.

But when they are affected by an infection, they react promptly, seeking our attention for treatment. Swollen eyelids are a common reaction to an infection, allergies, or irritants. 

One or both of your eyelids may swell up because of various reasons. Infected eyelids need extra self-care as they are delicate; they may heal within a few days or a week if the right steps are taken promptly. 

What is a Swollen Eyelid?

A swollen eyelid is a symptom or reaction to an irritant or infection of the eye. There is a fluid build-up in the tissues around the eyes causing them to swell. Depending on the cause, swollen eyelids may need different kinds of treatment and adequate self-care.  

Swollen eyelids may be caused due to an infection of the eyelid itself or the eye.

Common Causes of a Swollen Eyelid

The most common swollen eyelid causes may be lack of sleep, rubbing of the eyes with infected hands, using expired or contaminated eye makeup, or even crying.

Injuries on and around the eye may also cause swollen eyelids. Insect bites or stings are also some reasons for your eyelids to be swollen. Inadequate hygiene while using contact lenses may also cause infection in the eyelids.

Infections may affect one eyelid or both. Here are some common ones:

• A stye is a bump on the edge of the upper or lower eyelid, looking like a red boil. It is caused by a bacterial infection of the hair follicle of the lashes. It can be tender, itchy and painful. 
• A chalazion is an internal stye that leaves a painless bump inside your eyelid. It is caused by the infection of the oil glands. The bump is usually painless and can persist for quite some time.
• Conjunctivitis, or pink eye, is inflammation of the thin membrane covering the white part of the eye. This infection may also cause the eyelids to swell. This spreads very quickly  from one person to another 
• Blepharitis is inflammation near the edge of the eyelashes caused by clogged oil glands. The eyelids may darken or turn red and become swollen and scaly.  
• Preseptal cellulitis is a bacterial infection that affects the eyelid soft tissues and the skin around your eye. Eyes may bulge out, and eye movement may be painful. Chronic cellulitis may cause blindness. 
• Cysts are lesions in the conjunctiva. They are filled with fluid and may look like bubbles in the eye. Cysts are usually benign. 

Allergens like pollen, dust, other irritants and foreign particles may also cause swollen eyelids. 

Trauma to eyelids can also cause swelling of lids.

Eyelid dryness or flaking may cause itching, swelling, and irritation. This may be due to ageing, weather, pollution, low humidity, or environmental toxins.

A person suffering from other medical conditions such as hyper or hypo thyroidism, eczema, psoriasis, etc., may also experience swollen eyelids.

Symptoms of Swollen Eyes

Regardless of the cause of the infection, there are a few common swollen eyelid symptoms: 

• Swelling or puffiness of one or both eyelids
• Redness, irritation, itching or burning sensation
• Pain, depending on the nature of the infection 
• Crusting of eyelashes and eyelids
• Flaking of the skin around the eyes and eyelids
• Dryness of eyes or excessive watering
• High sensitivity to light

When the infection becomes severe and is not treated promptly, other symptoms, including bulging eyes, headache, double or blurred vision, neck stiffness or fever, may also occur.

Treatment for Eye Swelling

Before you start any swollen eyelid treatment, it is necessary to get it checked by a doctor. There are some home remedies the doctor may suggest. When affected by stye, you can use a warm compresses to reduce swelling and relieve pain. Treatment differs based on the underlying conditions causing your symptoms.

A gentle eyelid massage may help in soothing pain and discomfort felt when there is eye swelling due to infection. Whereas eye rubbing can worsen your symptoms if the swelling is due to allergy. Cold compresses can help relieve itching and irritation in case of allergies.

Artificial tears or eye drops also soothe itching and dryness. Topical ointments (antibiotics or steroids) can also help reduce the infection. 

In case of viral/bacterial conjunctivitis, along with the prescribed eye drops practising hand and eye hygiene with frequent hand wash with soap and water, avoiding touching of eyes frequently and avoid sharing of napkins and towels help so that it doesn’t spread easily.

If it does not subside after this, in some cases, oral antihistamines, antibiotics, or steroids need to accompany topical medications.

How to Prevent Eyelid Swelling?

If the cause of the swelling is due to lifestyle factors and hygiene, it is important to get enough sleep, rest your eyes, limit screen time, and ensure hand and eye hygiene. Remember to wash your hands regularly. Sleep hygiene is also a very important factor in preventing eyelid swelling.

It is necessary to be aware of your allergic triggers and avoid them. Additionally, do not rub your eyes vigorously. Protective eyeglasses must be worn to prevent irritants and allergens.

If you wear contact lenses, ensure good hygiene, such as taking them off at night and washing your hands while putting them on or taking them off. Using hypoallergenic eye makeup is a good option too.

Use artificial tears to prevent eye dryness and irritation. Cool compresses will help relieve the irritaion. Rinsing your eyes with cool, clean water will wash out foreign particles. 

When to Seek Medical Attention for a Swollen Eyelid

It is necessary to seek prompt medical attention for a swollen eyelid if you notice the following symptoms:

• • Bulging eyes
  • Severe pain, burning or itching
  • painful eye movements
  • Fever, headaches, or stiff neck
  • Double vision, blurred vision, or loss of vision
  • Worsening symptoms for a prolonged time

Conclusion

It is important to pay attention to a swollen eyelid. Many of these eye infections may not be contagious but can cause a great deal of discomfort and distress.

Some conditions, such as styes, may be common, especially in children. Practising good hygiene and self-care will help in healing the infection. However, it is prudent to consult a doctor, preferably an ophthalmologist. At Nethradhama Super Speciality Eye Hospital, you can get an accurate diagnosis of the infection and an effective treatment plan.