eyelid swelling

How to care for eyelid swelling

Fact Checked

Eyelid swelling involves the enlargement of the lower or inferior eyelid or both. It is due to the accumulation of fluid in the sheets of tissue which surrounds the eye. Generally,  the puffiness and eyelid swelling causes discomfort, impaired vision and embarrassment. Swelling of the upper and lower eyelids can be due to infection and sometimes a discharge oozes in the corner of the eye.

Causes of eyelid swelling

  • Bacterial or viral infections such as improper storage or misuse of cosmetics, rubbing the eyes with dirty hands and other unhygienic practices.
  • Pink eyes or conjunctivitis. Generally, the white portion of the eye becomes swollen, red and itchy. This condition can be caused by bacteria or allergies.
  • Orbital cellulitis is an uncommon condition that causes the infection of the tissues that border the eyes. Consequently, if not treated, it can involve the sinuses and worsen the condition.
  • Blepharitis is characterized by inflamed and painful eyelash follicles.
  • Styes or eyelid cyst
    Eyelid swelling
    Apply a warm or cold compress on the affected eye.
  • Chalazion
  • Lack of sleep
  • Excessive consumption of sodium in the diet
  • Drinking alcohol
  • Crying
  • Using artificial sweeteners in the diet
  • High blood pressure
  • Hormonal imbalances that goes with pregnancy
  • Lastly, dehydration

Symptoms

  • At first, itchiness
  • Redness
  • Incapable of opening or closing the eye completely
  • Formation of scales
  • In addition, pain and tenderness
  • Difficulty blinking
  • Facial swelling and fever
  • Discharge from the eyes
  • Lastly, loss of eyelashes

Treatment

  • At first, wash the face to eliminate allergens that are sticking to the skin and eyelashes to lessen the itchiness and swelling.
  • Rinse the eyes to loosen the allergens inside and flush them out.
  • Apply a warm or cold compress on the affected eye. Generally, the hand should be properly cleaned before touching the eye to prevent the spread of bacteria.
  • Apply a cold compress around the affected eye to lessen the itching and swelling. Generally, soak a towel or washcloth in cold water and lie down and apply the cold compress across the eye to lessen the swelling.
  • Apply the prescribed over-the-counter allergy eye drops to relieve itchy and eyelid swelling eyes due to allergies.
  • Lastly, stay indoors to prevent exposure to allergens

FACT CHECK

https://www.allaboutvision.com/conditions/swollen-eyelids.htm

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/318219.php

https://www.healthline.com/health/swollen-eyelid-treatment

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