10 Reasons Why Your Eyelid is Swollen

10 Reasons Why Your Eyelid is Swollen : When a person is suffering from one or both eyelids being red and swollen, they need help. An eye specialist will be able to determine the cause of the swollen eyelid and cure it. One problem with treating swollen eyelids is that there are more than 10 reasons for the condition.

People with this problem should seek advice from their primary physician immediately. The doctor may be able to solve the problem or refer the patient to a specialist who can help.

Why it is Important To Get Help

Swollen eyelids are painful and unattractive, which is reason enough to seek help. But they can also be caused by serious conditions that need immediate attention. Waking up with badly swollen eyelids can be terrifying, and it is definitely painful. Sometimes, a primary physician will refer a patient to an eyelid surgeon for help. Swollen or droopy eyelids can affect a person’s looks and vision and need to be corrected. Sometimes medication works and other times surgical intervention is needed. It takes a specialist to know what the cause of a problem with the eyelid is and how to correct it safely.

10 Possible Causes for Swollen Eyelids

10 of the most common causes of swollen eyelids are listed below. When swollen eyelids happen, it is wise to see an optometrist, an ophthalmologist, or the family doctor. Different causes require different treatment protocols.

Pink eye is also called conjunctivitis and is a viral infection but can also be caused by bacteria. It will last for 7 to 10 days. It causes pain, swollen eyelids, itching, and pink or red eyeballs.
Orbital cellulitis is an infection in the eyelid tissue and is very painful. Get medical help immediately for an eyelid that is painful, red, swollen, or streaked. This infection requires treatment with antibiotics.
Blepharitis caused by bacteria and is a chronic condition without a cure. Medical treatment is needed to control this condition.
Ocular herpes which is an infection in and around the eyes and can be mistaken for pink eye. This virus needs medical treatment. a doctor needs to take a culture from the eye to check for the virus and prescribe antiviral medications.
Grave’s disease caused by an overactive thyroid is an endocrine disorder. Treatments such as thyroid surgery and medication prescriptions may be needed.
Cosmetics and allergic reactions. Be careful which cosmetics one uses and how they are used. Avoid eye-whitening products and other eye drops that may have chemical reactions with makeup.
Crying can cause fluid retention and ruptured small blood vessels in the eyelid or eye. In this case, the person should rest with cool compresses, elevate the head, and drink water.
A stye is an infection of a gland in an eyelid. A similar condition is a chalazion which is a clogged oil gland in an eyelid. Styes commonly infect tear glands at the base of the eyelashes. Warm compresses can help. Do not squeeze the style or try to pop it. This can spread the infection and make matters worse. A chalazion is a blockage of an oil gland and may disappear on its own, but if it grows and does not go away in a few days, seek medical help.
Allergies caused by dust, pollen, or other irritants are another reason for itchy, watery, red eyes, and swollen eyelids. There should be allergy testing and prescription allergy medications.
Exhaustion can cause eyelids to become puffy or swollen and is a sign a person should be getting more rest and sleep. Cold compresses while lying down might help. Drinking a glass of water is another way to help reduce the swelling.

Additional Swollen Eyelid Causes

Swollen eyelids and irritated eyes can also be caused by smoking, injury, mononucleosis, and air pollution. See a specialist to find the underlying cause for this condition and get the proper treatment to have faster relief.

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