Swollen Eyelid

Swollen eyelid or eyelid swelling, not only makes it difficult for the person to see, but is also quite annoying. Moreover, the tenderness around the eye can make simple tasks, like application of makeup or face washing difficult. Eyelid swelling is, sometimes, accompanied by slight discharge from the corner of the eye. Usually, a swollen eyelid is an indication of some type of infection, which is why it is important to consult an eye specialist to curtail the spread of the infection.

There can be two types of eyelid swellings: non-painful and painful. The non-painful type is caused due to allergies or due to gland blockage in the eyelid. Swollen eyelid can also be the result of various factors, such as trauma or other infections. On the other hand, the painful type is the result of various eye problems such as conjunctivitis, orbital cellulitis, blepharitis, stye and chalazion. Swollen eyelid symptoms usually are inflammation, redness, itching, scale formation, etc. in the areas around the eye and the eyelid. Let's take a look at the different causes of swollen eyelid.

Swollen Eyelid Causes

Eye Allergies: Eyelid swelling is the result of allergic reactions. One can be allergic to anything from soap, makeup, body sprays to animals or plant. Food allergies can also cause swollen eyelids. The eye becomes red, itchy and swelling appears in the eyelids. The allergy causative can be anything one comes in contact with, thus the identification has to be done carefully. One should try to find out the cause behind the allergies of the eye and then avoid coming in contact with that product.

Gland Blockage
An overproduction of fluid or blockage in the gland due to infection can result in swollen eyelids. The eyes contain several glands named meibomian glands, which are responsible for lipid layer of the tear film. When these glands get blocked, the eyelids swell up. In such cases, a simple operation to remove the fluid can be performed, so as to alleviate the swelling.

Contact Lenses
Damaged contact lenses can irritate the eye and conduce to swelling of the eyelids. Sometimes the type of cleaning solution used may also be the reason behind swollen eyelids.

Conjunctivitis: In this condition, the protective membrane lining the eyelids and exposed regions of the eyeball, called conjunctiva gets swollen, itchy and red. Conjunctivitis or pink eye is caused due to environmental irritants, viral or bacterial infections, allergy, chemical (eye drops) etc., and can spread from one person to another.

Orbital Cellulitis: This infection is a rare but extremely serious condition, involving infection of the tissues surrounding the eyes. In this infection, bacteria called Staphylococcus aureus enter the cavities of the eye, via a sinus infection or trauma to the eye region. Inflammation, pain and swelling in the eyelid and eyeball accompany this condition. Moreover, the sufferer can even experience blurred vision and fever. At the onset of these symptoms, one should immediately consult a physician. If not treated on time, this infection can result in permanent vision loss and other neurological infections.

Blepharitis: This condition refers to the inflammation of the eye margin, and is mostly caused by bacterial infection or seborrheic dermatitis (skin disorder). Blepharitis is characterized by excess oil production in the glands, situated at the base of the eyelashes. Moreover, the margins appear red with the base of the eyelashes attached with dandruff type scales. Some other symptoms of this infection are reddened and inflamed eyelid margins, crusty flakes at the base of the eyelashes, itchy eyes and burning eyes. Loss of eyelashes is also observed.

Stye: Styes are caused by bacterial infections occurring in the sweat or oil producing glands at the base of the eyelashes. This infection is also accompanied by swelling and pus, thereby causing the formation of a painful red lump at the edge of the eyelid. Besides the pain, swelling in the eyelid deters proper vision and sometimes, the infection affects the whole eyelid area. There is no particular reason as to why people get affected by styes. The bacteria Staphylococcus is responsible for causing this infection. This bacteria is generally found on the surface of the skin, and is normally harmless, however, sometimes it makes its way into the body and causes various infections. Styes are infectious and proper handwashing needs to be done, after touching the eyelids.

Chalazion: This condition resembles a stye, however, there's a marked difference between the two. A chalazion looks like a stye, but mostly grows away from the edge of the eyelid. Eye duct blockage developed in the eye's lubricating glands causes this condition. Swelling in the eyelid and tenderness are the symptoms of chalazion. The latter stages are accompanied by the formation of white cyst-like bumps within the lower and upper eyelids. Chalazions, usually disappear on their own, as time progresses.

Ocular Shingles:
Shingles, caused by the Varicella Zoster virus can affect the eyes, nose, cheek and other parts of the face. When it affects the eye region, it is known as ocular shingles. The eyelids will swell and even block vision. Anti-viral drugs are given to treat this condition.

Hyperthyroidism:
Swollen eyelids can also be a symptom of hyperthyroidism, which is a condition in which the body over secretes thyroid hormone. This can be detected by getting a thyroid test done.

Renal and sinus problems can also cause swollen eyelids. In fact, there are several other factors conducing to the swollen eyelid condition. Do not be under the impression that swollen eyelids are caused by only the above mentioned conditions.

Remedies for Swollen Eyelids

Since the eye is a very sensitive and crucial part of our body, rather than making our own diagnosis, it's better to consult the eye specialist and find out the true cause of swelling. Till then avoid touching or rubbing your eye, as this will only aggravate the situation. One should also discard all makeup that has been used in the few days prior to the swelling in the eyelid. However, if for some reason the doctor's appointment is not until a day later, then you could try out these simple home remedies to reduce swelling of the eyelids.

Teabags
The tea present in tea bags contain tannic acid which assist in swelling reduction. Dip a tea bag in a glass of tepid water and place it on your swollen eyelid. After 15 minutes or so, you will find some relief.

Cold or Hot Compress
Dip a face towel in a bowl of cold water and place the cold towel on your swollen eyelid. For a hot compress dunk your face towel in tepid water and squeeze excess water out. Place it on your swollen eyelid. You may even wrap your towel in a plastic wrap to avoid water trickling down your face.

Cold Milk
You can also take a large ball of cotton or gauze pad and dip it in cold milk. Apply the milk soaked cotton on your eyelid for 15-20 minutes. This will definitely give you temporary relief.

Cucumber or Potato
One can also place fresh cucumber or potato slices on the swollen eyelid to reduce swelling. The slices must be cold, and as and when they get warm, replace them with fresh slices.

Don't take any medicines without the knowledge of the medical practitioner. You may make the wrong diagnosis and take the wrong medication. Always consult a doctor before taking unknown drugs. After the swelling subsides, maintaining proper eye care can prevent from contracting an eye infection in the future.