Causes, treatments, and home remedies

Swelling under the eye can develop for a wide range of reasons, from mild conditions, such as allergies or blocked tear ducts, to more severe conditions, such as organ failure.

If a person with swelling under the eyes also has difficulty breathing or is in severe pain, they should seek immediate medical help.

In this article, we look at the symptoms of swelling under the eye, the potential causes, home remedies, and treatments.

Swelling under the eye often causes puffiness, which may lead to the eye partially closing over. Depending on the underlying cause, it may affect one or both eyes.

For some conditions, swelling may occur with other symptoms, such as eye discoloration, itching, bruising, tearing, or discharge.

Swelling under one eye may be due to the following causes:

Excessive eye rubbing

People sometimes rub the eyes due to fatigue, itchiness, or a foreign object in the eye. According to the Seattle Children’s Hospital, excessive eye rubbing can lead to swelling. Avoiding touching the eyes will allow the area to return to normal.

Injury

Swelling under the eye may indicate an injury. A cut or bruise may cause swelling, discoloration, and pain. Similarly, insect bites, such as a mosquito bite that occur near the eye, may cause swelling.

Small injuries in the eye area may heal on their own if a person keeps the area clean and dry. If the swelling and pain get worse, or there are signs of infection, such as pus or discharge, a person may need medical treatment.

Blocked tear duct

A blocked tear duct prevents tears from draining from the eye and can also cause under-eye swelling. The American Acadamy of Ophthalmology (AAO), list other symptoms of a blocked tear duct, which include watery eyes and tearing.

Blocked tear ducts can develop due to an eye infection, an injury, or a tumor. If the blockage is the result of an injury, it may resolve on its own. An infection may require antibiotics.

Stye

A stye is an infection that occurs at the base of the eyelashes, causing a painful lump. The AAO indicate that when a person has a stye, they might feel like there is a foreign object in their eye. A person’s eye may also feel scratchy, sensitive to light, or watery.

Styes can clear up on their own. However, if a stye does not improve, a doctor may prescribe antibiotics or may need to drain it.

Periorbital cellulitis

Periorbital cellulitis occurs when a wound near the eye becomes infected. It causes severe under-eye swelling, pain, and inflammation. According to a 2020 article, it is most common in children and is often due to trauma or sinusitis.

This condition requires medical treatment to prevent damage to the eyes and other organs. According to the AAO, treatment may include drainage, surgery to remove dead tissue, and antibiotics.

Lymphoma

Lymphoma is a type of cancer that can affect the eye area in rare cases. According to the Survey of Ophthalmology, a person with lymphoma will experience swelling and a visible lump or tumor. Doctors may treat lymphoma using radiotherapy or chemotherapy.

Swelling under both eyes may have a variety of causes, such as:

Bags under the eyes

A person may notice mild swelling under the eyes when they wake up in the morning. The AAO note that this can occur due to aging, fluid collecting under the eyes during sleep, or both.

Smoking, lack of sleep, fluid retention, and allergies make it more likely that bags will develop under the eyes. Getting enough sleep, sleeping with the head in a slightly elevated position, and cool compresses may help reduce their appearance.

Allergies

Allergens, such as pollen and pet dander, can irritate the eyes, causing an allergic reaction. Symptoms include eye swelling, itching, burning, and tearing. A person with this condition may also have other allergy symptoms, such as a stuffy nose, sneezing, or an itchy throat.

If swelling in the under-eye area is the result of an allergic reaction, taking an over-the-counter (OTC) allergy medication, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl) may help reduce the swelling. A person should read the package instructions carefully for proper dosing.

A severe allergic reaction may cause anaphylaxis, which is a medical emergency that causes hives, swollen airways, and difficulty breathing.

Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis occurs due to a bacterial or viral eye infection. It causes bloodshot, irritated eyes that may itch, burn, or hurt. A bacterial eye infection may produce white or yellow pus.

Viral conjunctivitis usually affects both eyes, but a bacterial infection may start in one eye and spread to both. Conjunctivitis is contagious, so a person with these symptoms should avoid touching the eyes and see a doctor for treatment.

Morbihan disease

According to a review in Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, this rare condition can cause severe swelling under the eye and on the upper cheekbones.

Doctors consider the condition a form of rosacea, which causes the skin on the face to redden or darken. Doctors treat Morbihan disease with steroids and sometimes minor surgery to drain the excess fluid.

Organ failure

A person can experience eye swelling in both eyes due to organ failure. This includes heart, kidney, or liver failure. Each of these conditions affects the body’s ability to regulate fluid balance, which will often cause swelling in the feet and other areas of the body.

Many causes of swollen under-eyes are temporary or mild. Small bruises or insect bites, styes, and puffy eyes from excessive eye-rubbing may clear up on their own with at-home treatments. Swelling caused by allergies should improve with OTC antihistamines.

However, if there are signs of infection or a more serious injury, such as pain, inflammation, or pus, a person should see their doctor promptly. If a person has any of the following symptoms, they should seek immediate medical attention:

• swelling causes eyes to close partially or completely
• swollen eyes with a fever
• swollen airways or trouble breathing
• vision loss or double vision
• swollen eyes with swollen ankles or feet

In mild cases of under-eye swelling, a person can often reduce the swelling and any eye irritation at home. A person can try:

• Cold compresses or ice: A person can make a cold compress by wrapping ice in a towel or dampening a washcloth and gently pressing to the eye for up to 20 minutes.
• Warm compresses: For styes, a warm compress may be more effective. Soak a clean washcloth in warm water and apply to the eye for 10–15 minutes at a time.
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen, may help to ease pain and swelling. If a person has pain and swelling for longer than 7 days, they should seek medical help.
• Eye drops: Hydrating eye drops may reduce symptoms such as dryness, scratchiness, and irritation. Some eye drops also contain ingredients to help people with allergies.
• Eye flush: Flushing the eye with saline may help to clear away any dirt or debris that is irritating the eye.

To prevent the transmission of contagious conditions, the AAO suggest that people should:

• avoid wearing contact lenses and eye makeup
• use clean towels and washcloths
• not share eye products, towels, and washcloths with others
• not touching the eyes, unless necessary

A person can develop a swollen under-eye area for a variety of reasons. In many cases, the cause is mild and will improve with OTC medication, cool or warm compresses, and keeping the area clean.

In some cases, a person may need medical attention. If there are signs of infection, such as eye redness, pain, or discharge, or the swelling is severe, a person should see their doctor.

Remedies abound for allergy-swollen eyes

Dear Doctor K: I have allergies, and my eyes are affected the most. They’re puffy, red and itchy. What can I do?

Dear Reader: Pollens, animal dander, dust mites and mold: The same allergens that cause sneezing and an itchy nose and throat can trigger allergy symptoms that affect your eyes, too. If your eyes are red and itchy, you may also have tearing, mucous discharge and swelling of your conjunctiva (the inside of your eyelid). This constellation of symptoms is known as allergic conjunctivitis. It can be uncomfortable, but it is not a threat to vision.

To help improve your symptoms, try to avoid whatever triggers your allergies. If you are allergic to cats, avoid them, or at least don’t touch your eyes when near one. If pollen is your nemesis, keep your windows closed. And keep an air purifier or air conditioner going in pollen season.

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A simple but effective remedy is to place a cool, wet washcloth over your eyes. Also, use artificial tears (available without prescription) frequently. They’ll give you some relief and help wash away allergens.

Try not to rub your eyes. Doing so causes mast cells, which play a key role in allergic reactions, to release inflammation-causing chemicals into the eye. This makes symptoms worse.

If your symptoms appear occasionally, try one of the newer generation of antihistamines you can take by mouth. Antihistamines block the action of histamine, a major cause of itchy eyes. Over-the-counter options include loratadine (Claritin), cetirizine (Zyrtec) and fexofenadine (Allegra). Others are available by prescription.

Another option is eye drops that contain mast cell stabilizers, which limit release of the inflammation-causing chemicals. During an allergy attack, eye drops work faster than pills taken by mouth.

Eye drops that contain antihistamines and decongestants (medicines that cause small blood vessels to narrow) are available over the counter. They can provide quick relief, particularly of the redness in the eye. But don’t use these medications for more than a week or two, as they can cause excessive narrowing of the blood vessels in your eye. And be prepared for a little redness to return after you’ve stopped using them.

If your symptoms persist, try eye drops that combine a mast cell stabilizer and an antihistamine. These drugs are available over the counter and by prescription.

If you use multiple types of eye drops, such as drops containing an antihistamine and artificial tears, don’t put both drops in your eye at the same time. Wait about five minutes between putting the two types of drops in your eye. Otherwise, the second type you put in your eye may wash away the effects of the first type.

If your symptoms are severe and don’t improve with other medications, ask your doctor about prescription eye drops that contain corticosteroids. These medications help control inflammation, but they should only be used under the guidance of an eye specialist (ophthalmologist). Without proper monitoring, corticosteroid eye drops can cause glaucoma, cataracts or other serious complications.

Tags

• Eye Drops
• Eye
• Inflammation
• Drug
• Symptom
• Antihistamine
• Allergy

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Red eyes after eyelash extensions, what to do?

Red eyes after eyelash extension

The application of artificial eyelashes is a complex process involving the use of chemicals in close proximity to the human eye. Violation of technology, the use of low-quality materials and non-observance of the aseptic regimen in the cosmetology department often causes redness of the eyes after extension.
Which drops can help?

Red eyes after eyelash extensions happen for several reasons:

1. Toxic effect of eyelash glue on the conjunctiva

2. Foreign body (glue) in the conjunctival cavity

3. Infection in the conjunctiva of the eye

4 Allergic reaction

1. Toxic effect of eyelash glue on the conjunctiva

Artificial eyelashes are glued to the existing ones with glue. The most commonly used are latex, rubber glue, rubber glue and resins. All of them differ in toxic effects on the mucous membrane of the eye and in the time of exposure due to different drying rates.

It must be understood that any, even the most high-quality and expensive, has a toxic effect on the mucous membrane of the eyelid upon contact. A toxic burn occurs and, as a result, vasodilation and red eyes.

The occurrence of redness in this case directly depends on the literacy of the specialist and the quality of the glue used.

In case of redness of the eyes for this reason, it is necessary to rinse the eyes well with warm water to completely remove the glue from the conjunctival cavity. Preparations containing the hormonal corticosteroid component will help stop the process of toxic inflammation. These include drops such as Dexamethasone, Tobradex, Maxidex , Tobrex, Maxitrol can be used to simultaneously prevent a secondary infection. To heal damaged areas of the eye, you can use eye ointments and drops: Solcoseryl, Citral, Korneregel .

To quickly narrow the vessels and eliminate redness of the eyes, you can use Vizin .

2. Foreign body (glue) in the conjunctival cavity

If the glue got into the conjunctival cavity and hardened there, then

a foreign body is formed, which constantly injures the mucous membrane, causing inflammation and redness of the eye.
In this case, the red eye also hurts. Eyes watery.

In this case, it is necessary to remove it by washing with warm water, if it does not work, you need to contact an ophthalmologist to remove the foreign body with microsurgical instruments under a microscope.

3. Conjunctival infection

Violation of technology or an infected film used on the inside of the eyelid for eyelash extensions can cause an inflammatory process of the eyes with redness and often accompanied by a discharge of various consistency and transparency. In most cases, redness is caused by a bacterial infection.

Treatment should be carried out using antibacterial agents, such drops as, for example, Tobrex, Tobradex, Maxitrol, Levomycetin, Albucid (Sulfacyl sodium) 20%, Levofloxacin, Oftalmoferon, Vitabact. Instillation of drops is recommended 1 drop 4 times a day for a week.
From ointments, you can use T etracycline ointment , which has a wide range of effects on bacteria. It is necessary to lay the ointment for the eyelids twice a day, in the morning and in the evening. It should be borne in mind that the basis of any ointment is often an allergen and a possible source for the vital activity of bacteria. Therefore, we recommend the use of anti-inflammatory drugs in drops.

4. Allergic reaction

Allergic redness of the eyes after eyelash extensions is also a common cause of redness. The basis of any glue used for gluing artificial eyelashes is an allergen and, with increased individual sensitivity of the body, can cause an allergic reaction with reddening of the eyes, usually accompanied by swelling of the eyelids of varying degrees.

For the appearance of allergic redness of the eyes, it is enough just to evaporate the glue, the complete hardening of which occurs from several hours to three days.

Redness can be eliminated by reducing the body’s reaction through the general use of anti-allergic antihistamines, such as Suprastin, Tavegil, Cytarizin, Ebastin .
To reduce redness of the eyes during an allergic reaction will help: Dexamethasone , Tobradex , Maxidex 1 drop 3 times a day for 2-3 days. Or Hydrocortisone ointment (twice a day, morning and evening), in which there is a corticosteroid hormone that suppresses the inflammatory and allergic reactions of the body.

How to tell x chemical burn from allergy after eyelash extension?

You can distinguish a chemical burn from an allergy by the condition of the conjunctiva and swelling of the eyelids. It is rather problematic to do this at home, since the clinical picture will also depend on the degree of the burn.

With a chemical burn, the conjunctiva loses its transparency and luster. Its surface becomes dull, in some places there may be gray films that are easily removed.

With an allergic reaction, the conjunctiva is much more edematous, its folds are visible, but at the same time it retains its luster. Detachable, no films.

An allergic reaction, including after eyelash extensions, is usually bilateral. The eyelids of both eyes are swollen. While a chemical burn is more likely to occur on one eye. The eyelids can also be swollen, but to a lesser extent than with allergies.

In order not to be mistaken, it is enough to visit an ophthalmologist and conduct an eye biomicroscopy, in which an accurate diagnosis will be made.

To find out the exact cause of redness of the eyes after eyelash extensions and the choice of pathogenetic targeted treatment, we recommend that you consult an ophthalmologist and choose the right treatment.

Swollen eyelids – causes and treatment

Swelling of the upper and lower eyelids is a common problem. The cause is often a violation of the kidneys, especially the aging of the body, hernia of the upper and lower eyelids. The disease can develop at any age. With symptoms of a swollen eyelid, both young patients and older people are treated.

Puffiness is usually manifested by severe itching and tingling in the eyelid area. A person has a feeling as if the eyelids have become heavy, as if filled with lead.

Symptoms

The disease has characteristic signs that cannot be ignored due to discomfort:

• redness of the eyelids;
• burning, itching in the eyelids;
• thickening under the eyelid;
• appearance of pus in the corners of the eyes;
• rashes.

If any of these symptoms appear, you should consult an ophthalmologist. Delaying treatment can aggravate the eye condition.

Symptoms depend on the disease that caused the swelling. If it is an allergy, the skin in the area of ​​​​the eyelid turns red, rashes appear on it. It happens that the eyelid swells against the background of ripe barley, acute purulent inflammation in the ciliary bulb. This is a rounded formation that really resembles barley.

In some cases, in addition to edema, a person’s eyes begin to water heavily, the conjunctiva, the outer shell of the eye redden. This may indicate developing conjunctivitis, and its dangerous form – herpetic viral.

Causes of swelling of the eyelids

There can be many reasons why the eyelids swell. It all depends on the symptoms and diseases that caused them. Puffiness can be caused by external factors.

• Heat. In hot weather, the fluid may not be properly distributed in the body, which is why not only the eyelids, but also other parts of the face swell.
• Alcohol, smoking.
• Stress, sleep problems.
• Insufficient water intake.
• Unhealthy diet – an abundance of spicy, salty foods.

Eyelid edema can be provoked even by an incorrect posture during sleep, due to which the liquid is distributed only in the upper body.

Diseases that lead to swelling of the eyelids

There are diseases that can lead to such symptoms. The most common among them are:

• Conjunctivitis. This is an inflammation of the mucous membrane of the eye, which is often accompanied by redness and swelling of the eyelids. Conjunctivitis can be infectious or non-infectious.
• Allergy. Swelling of the eyelids can cause an allergic reaction. Sometimes it occurs as a reaction to external stimuli, low-quality cosmetics, and care products.
• SARS, FLU. The eyelids may swell due to respiratory problems. This is due to the fact that during the period of the fight against the disease, the lacrimal glands work more intensively, the flow of fluid increases, swelling forms on the eyelids.
• Benign or malignant growths, cysts.

In some cases, swelling of the eyelids is associated with excessive consumption of salt, spicy and spicy foods. Such a diet retains water in the body. In this case, it may be enough to reduce the amount of salt and start drinking more water.

The eyelids also swell due to eye strain, so it is important to observe the visual regimen and give rest to the eyes. Do not forget about the normalization of nutrition, make sure that it was balanced with vitamins and trace elements necessary for the normal functioning of the visual system.

It happens that the results of diagnostics and tests show that the eyelids are swollen due to diseases of the internal organs: disorders in the cardiovascular system, kidneys. Usually in these cases bilateral swelling of the eyelids is observed.

Pathology can be caused by a difficult pregnancy – there are cases when, in the last trimester, expectant mothers begin to have kidney problems. The fact is that during this period the fetus and amniotic fluid can almost press. This is fraught with swelling of the eyes.

Diagnosis

At the first symptoms of eyelid edema, it is necessary to consult a doctor to diagnose the disease. Timely treatment is the path to a speedy recovery and a comfortable healthy life.

Purpose of diagnosis: to determine the exact cause of the edema. For this, an examination is carried out, an anamnesis is collected, the necessary tests are prescribed.

Diagnosis and examination add up depending on the possible cause that provoked eyelid edema.

Specialist visual examination and history taking. At this stage of interaction with the patient, it is important for a specialist to get as much information from the patient as possible, to understand the degree of damage to the eyelid, one or two eyelids are swollen, whether the patient has pain.

If the doctor suspects allergies as the cause of eyelid swelling, a list of tests is ordered to determine the possible allergen.

If kidney disease is suspected, the doctor usually refers the patient to a biochemical urine test to determine the main markers of liver and kidney damage.

Eyelid scrapings may be done if demodectic blepharitis is suspected.

What to do if your eyelids are swollen

If you find that your eyelids are swollen and you experience discomfort, you should consult an ophthalmologist. It is impossible to ignore pathological changes, this can lead to serious complications, among which, in the case of an allergic reaction, there may be Quincke’s edema.

Seek immediate medical attention if symptoms such as redness of the eyes, itching, burning, watery eyes, nasal congestion, difficulty breathing occur. All these are signs of Quincke’s edema, which requires urgent medical intervention.

Do not self-medicate – this can only aggravate the condition of the eyes. Only a doctor can choose a safe and effective treatment that will get rid of the cause of edema.

Ophthalmologists give the following advice on how to deal with swelling of the eyelids:

– do not use cosmetics, cleansers, use creams;

– for a while it is necessary to give up contact lenses and switch to glasses;

– change pillowcases, towels more often;

– Do not touch or rub your eyes.

Experts also strongly recommend quitting alcohol, smoking, reducing salt, limiting fatty, spicy foods, drinking enough water, washing your hands often with soap and water, and monitoring how often you touch your face.

Pay attention to how much rest you have, what kind of sleep you have. It is very important to normalize it in order to prevent unnecessary stress for the body.

Eyelid edema treatment

In order for the treatment to be effective, it is important to consult a doctor in time. Operatively prescribed treatment is the way to a favorable outcome of the course of the disease.

The first thing to do is to remove the swelling, and then eliminate the cause of its appearance. The treatment strategy depends on what caused the swelling.

In case of an allergic reaction, it is important to eliminate the allergen that causes swelling, and antihistamines may be prescribed.

If the swelling was provoked by an eye injury, cooling compresses on the affected area, the use of anti-inflammatory ointments, gels may be recommended.

If the edema was the result of barley, then as a treatment course, anti-inflammatory ointments, special eye drops are also used.