WHAT IS A SWOLLEN EYELID?
It is a condition of eyelids in which they become swollen or puffy due to the accumulation of excess fluid or inflammation in the localized area.
WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF SWOLLEN EYELID?
A swollen eyelid is most often a symptom of the underlying medical conditions or it can be an inflammatory reaction of some allergic condition or infections.
I am listing below some of the causes of swollen eyelid:
- Allergens like pollen, dust and dander
- Eye infections like pink eye – caused by a bacteria or virus – Styes or other eyelid bumps – hot compress
- Dirty contact lens or wearing lens for too long – contacts prevent oxygen from reaching the eye, which can make your cornea swell
- Crying –your emotional tears contain more water than other types of tears, extra water can cause puffiness when it hits sensitive eye tissue.
- Blocked oil glands in the eyelids
- Eating too much salty food – sodium retains the fluid in the whole body, including in the eye region.
- Excessive alcohol causes bloating that contributes to puffiness of eyes
- Fragrance sensitivity can irritate sensitive eyes and cause swelling
- Getting older – There are fat deposits around the eyes that begin to sag with age causing a puffing effect after 30s or 40s
- Inadequate sleep
- Periods on the way
Other causes:
- Eye or facial injuries
- Ocular herpes
- Orbital cellulitis
- Thyroid condition like Grave’s disease
- Trauma from eyelid surgery
WHAT IS THE TREATMENT FOR SWOLLEN EYELID?
The treatment of swollen eyelid depends on the cause of the condition. To get rid of it, your doctor will treat the root cause of the disease.
- In case you are allergic to pollen, dust or dander, you can use over the counter antihistaminic drops or artificial tears.
- If your eyes have caught any viral or bacterial infection, you can use antibiotic or antiviral eye drops or ointments.
- In case of styes or other eyelid bumps; use hot compress for relief of the symptoms.
- Do not use dirty contact lens and maintain the hygiene. If the swollen eyelid is due to prolonged use of contact lens then make sure you are removing your lens before going to bed and wear them for 8 hours for maximum length of time.
- You can use cold compress or splash cold water if you crying for a long time have given rise to the condition.
- Stick to less than 2300mg of sodium a day, if excessive sodium intake is the cause.
- If your age is the reason, you can use firming eye creams
- Sleep at least for 7-9 hours
When Should You See a Doctor?
Eyelid puffiness or swelling typically disappears on its own in no less than a day or something like that. On the off chance that it doesn’t getter better in 24 to 48 hours, see your eye specialist. They’ll ask you about some information about your symptoms and check out at your eye and eyelid. They’ll likewise check for pieces of information about what’s causing the expanding.