What Causes Them and What To Do About It – Health Essentials from Cleveland Clinic

Do your eyes look puffy or swollen? When fluid builds up in the thin layers of tissue surrounding your eyes, your eyes and eyelids can swell. But when is it cause for concern?

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Typically, eye swelling in your upper or lower eyelid is just an uncomfortable annoyance that will go away on its own within a day. But if the swelling lasts longer, it’s important to treat it because some problems can quickly damage your eyes.

“Any swelling that lasts longer than 24 to 48 hours should send you to an eye care professional because there are times it can be something severe that can blind you,” says ophthalmologist Annapurna Singh, MD.

There are several reasons why you might see swelling in your eyes or eyelids. They include:

Allergies – This is a common problem that is also the simplest to treat. These can be due to hay fever or a reaction to foods, chemicals or other irritants.

Conjunctivitis – Also known as pink eye, this infection is common during cold and flu season. It’s often caused by a virus, bacteria, allergens or other irritants.

Stye – An infection in an eyelash follicle or tear gland, styes appears as tender, red bumps at the edge of your eyelids.

Chalazion – Similar to a stye, a chalazion is a harmless, small bump that appears on your eyelid. Blocked oil glands cause chalazia.

Orbital cellulitis – This inflammation, which spreads from your sinuses, occurs more often in children than in adults. It causes redness and painful swelling of your eyelid and the skin surrounding your eyes.

Trauma-related injuries – When blunt force strikes, your eye compresses and retracts, causing blood to gather underneath the damaged area. This often causes swelling and discoloration.

Graves disease – Also known as thyroid eye disease, Graves disease is an autoimmune condition that causes inflammation of your eye. It relates to a thyroid problem.

Eye cancer – This is rarely the reason for swelling in or around your eyes. However, it is a symptom. Eye cancer, or an eye lymphoma, is also accompanied by blurred vision or loss of vision. You may also see floaters — spots or squiggles — slowly moving in your field of vision.

Most swelling around the eyes goes away within a few days. Here are a few tips to help reduce swelling in the meantime:

1. Wash or rinse. Try rinsing your eyes with water if swelling is associated with a discharge. Cool water is more soothing for allergies.
2. Try a cool compress. Lie down and place a water-soaked washcloth across your eyes.
3. Antihistamine eye drops for allergies. Use antihistamine eye drops — but only if you have allergies. When it comes to steroid drops, Dr. Singh warns not to use them inadvertently and only as prescribed. “Steroid eye drops can work very well when you have allergies; however, if it’s used for another condition, it could actually harm and blind you,” she says. “Always, check with your physician first.”
4. Remove contacts. If you wear contact lenses, remove them immediately if your eyes or eyelids are swollen.

Signs of a more serious problem

Call your eye doctor right away if swelling lasts longer than 24 to 48 hours and you notice any of the following:

Long-term eye care

To ensure that your eyes remain healthy, regular eye exams are a good idea — whether or not you’ve experienced swelling in your eyes, Dr. Singh says.

“One of the reasons to have regular eye exams is to check for glaucoma, which can slowly damage the optic nerve – and for an early cataract, which clouds the lens in the eye and also affects your vision,” she says.

An eye exam can also reveal signs of systemic diseases, including:

• Diabetes.
• High blood pressure.
• Multiple sclerosis (MS).
• Carotid artery disease.
• Lymphoma.

If you are under the age of 40, Dr. Singh recommends seeing an eye doctor every four or five years. After age 40, see your eye doctor every two or three years. Anyone who is age 50 or older should visit their eye doctor once a year, she says

“If you follow these guidelines, your eye doctor can help to
discover conditions that you might otherwise miss,” she says.

Home remedies for swollen eyes

Swollen eyes can occur for a number of reasons, including injury, allergies, illness and even crying. Since treatment may vary for each case, it’s important to know what caused your swollen eyes. 

While severe cases of swollen eyes may be due to an underlying condition and should be addressed by an eye doctor, mild cases of swollen eyes may benefit from home remedies such as cool compresses and tea bags, among many other treatments.

The following remedies for swollen eyes at home may help address your condition and provide relief before calling the doctor.

Try a cool compress

A cool compress can help relieve eye inflammation and soothe irritated skin. Place a damp, cool washcloth over eyes for 20 to 30 minutes at a time for relief. An ice pack will work as well — just remember to add a cloth buffer (such as a towel) between your eyes and the ice pack to avoid direct contact with skin.

Cold spoons may also soothe swollen eyes. Place two spoons in the freezer until cold, then hold them over your eyes as you would with an ice pack or cool washcloth. Applying a small amount of pressure with the spoons can help stimulate blood flow and redirect any built up fluid away from the eyes, but remember to be gentle.

Cold cucumber slices and even chilled teething rings have also been used to soothe swollen eyes.

Use tea bags

Tea bags can help reduce eye inflammation due to the tannins and caffeine content. Some varieties like green tea also include an anti-inflammatory compound called epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) to help the cause.

For proper use, steep tea and let the bags cool in the refrigerator for 20 minutes or so before applying to eyes. Then leave the cool bags on eyes for up to 30 minutes. 

Never put hot tea bags over your eyes.

Take over-the-counter medication

Allergy medications as well as pain relievers that are available over-the-counter may help with managing pain and inflammation. Depending on what caused the swelling, one may provide better relief than another. 

For swollen eyes caused by an allergic reaction or seasonal allergies, antihistamines such as cetirizine (Zyrtec), loratadine (Claritin) and diphenhydramine (Benadryl) may provide aid. 

If swollen eyes were caused by an injury, ibuprofen (Advil) may help bring down swelling and inflammation. Ibuprofen is recommended instead of acetaminophen (Tylenol), as acetaminophen is not an anti-inflammatory medication. However, both ibuprofen and acetaminophen can help with pain relief.

Take a break from cosmetics

Cosmetics and facial cleansers that come close to the eyes could be causing irritation and swelling. If you suspect this is the problem, stop your current makeup or cleansing routine until swelling clears up. 

If taking a break from a particular product helps, replace it with hypoallergenic or sensitive formulas. Aside from makeup and cleansers, hair products like hair sprays and gels could also cause irritation.

SEE RELATED: Fastest way to heal a swollen eyelid

Change your diet

Too much sugar can cause inflammation throughout the body, including the eyes. Try to cut back on your sugar intake, and you may notice a difference in eyes that constantly appear swollen.

Hydration is also important for your eye health, so be sure to get enough water every day (at least eight glasses, though this is subjective), and cut back on caffeine and alcohol intake, as these can cause dehydration.

Use eye drops

Lubricated eye drops (natural tears) may help soothe the redness and discomfort that comes with swollen eyes. You can find a large variety of eye drops over-the-counter, but avoid “anti-red” or “whitening” properties, as these can make conditions worse.

For severe swelling and redness, an eye doctor may need to prescribe special eye drops. In any case, be sure to follow directions and avoid underusing or overusing products.

When to see a doctor for swollen eyes

If swollen eyes suddenly appear without an explanation or if they persist despite treatment at home, consider seeing an eye doctor to address the condition. Swollen eyes could lead to worse conditions or an infection if not treated properly. 

In some cases, swollen eyes can indicate a bigger issue and require different treatment.

SEE RELATED: Itchy, swollen eyelids

Preventing swollen eyes at home

If you frequently suffer from swollen eyes, avoiding triggers is critical. Regularly taking allergy medications and avoiding irritants such as certain eye makeup, pollen, dust, pet dander and chlorine from swimming pools can help stop the problem of swollen eyes before it begins.

If you play sports, consider wearing protective eyewear like sport glasses or goggles in order to prevent eye injuries that may cause swollen eyes.

For the overall health of your eyes, see an eye doctor once a year for an annual eye exam and evaluation.

Page published in October 2020

Page updated in February 2021

What to Do and When to See a Doctor

The eyelid is a complex, fully functioning skin tissue that consists of eyelashes, tear glands (lacrimal), sweat glands (glands of Zeis or Moll), and sebaceous (oil or meibomian) glands. These tissues can develop inflammatory reactions, leading to a swollen eyelid.

A swollen eyelid is usually a symptom, not a condition. It’s very common and is usually due to allergy, inflammation, infection, or injury. The skin of your eyelid is less than 1 millimeter thick. But, since the tissue is loose and stretchy, your eyelid is capable of swelling considerably. 

A swollen eyelid is sometimes a symptom of a medical condition, such as:

Depending on the cause, you may experience swelling in one or both eyelids. Most of these conditions are not serious, but you should make sure to clean and care for your eyes if your eyelid is swollen.

Remedies and Treatments for a Swollen Eyelid

The treatment for a swollen eyelid depends on the cause. If you have an eye infection, you may need to use antibiotic eye drops, ointment, or other topical medication — meaning a medication to be applied on the body — to help remove the infection and ease your symptoms. Your doctor may give you antibiotics or steroids to take orally if the topical treatment is ineffective. 

To relieve eyelid swelling and keep your eyes clear and healthy, try these home remedies for swollen eyelids:

Apply a Compress

Run a clean cloth under warm water and hold it gently on your eyes. Do this twice a day for 15 minutes at a time to help loosen crusty discharge and get rid of any oil that might be plugging your glands.

Gently Wash the Area

After using a compress, use a cotton swab or washcloth to gently clean your eyelids with diluted baby shampoo. Make sure to rinse your eye area well afterward. You can also use a saline solution to rinse the area if you have any discharge or crust around your eye or in your eyelashes. 

Continued

Leave Your Eyes Alone

While you have symptoms, don’t wear eye makeup or contact lenses. Get plenty of sleep and avoid direct sunlight so your eyes can rest.

Use Eye Drops

Use over-the-counter artificial tears to keep your eyes moist and comfortable. Antihistamine drops can help with allergies and may help if your eyelid is swollen due to allergens. 

When to See a Doctor

Eyelid swelling usually goes away on its own within a day or so. If it doesn’t get better in 24 to 48 hours, you should call your primary care physician or see your eye doctor. Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and examine your eye and eyelid. Your doctor will ask questions about other symptoms or changes that may be causing your eyelid or eyelids to swell. These could include contact with allergens or irritants, infections, or other health conditions. 

Remedies for Children

Children frequently experience eye irritation, typically from touching their eyes with unwashed hands. But there are several possible causes for eyelid swelling in children in addition to the causes listed above. These include:

• Rubbing the eye: Children often rub their eyes for various reasons but especially after getting an irritant in their eye.
• Insect bite near the eye: The loose tissues around the eye swell easily, which can happen as a reaction to a mosquito or other insect bite. 
• Contact dermatitis near the eye: Contact with poison ivy, detergents, or other irritants may affect the eyelid.

Continued

To treat your child, try these home remedies:

Cold Pack

Apply ice or a cold pack wrapped in a clean, wet washcloth to the eye for 15 to 20 minutes at a time to decrease eyelid swelling and pain.

Allergy Medicine

You can safely give your child an allergy medicine or antihistamine by mouth. This will help to decrease eyelid swelling and itching. Benadryl every 6 hours or so is best. 

Eye Drops

For eyelid swelling that interferes with your child’s vision, use a long-lasting vasoconstrictor eye drop (such as a tetrahydrozoline, like Visine). No prescription is needed. The recommended dose is one drop every eight to 12 hours as needed for one to two days. 

Emergency Care

You should seek emergency medical care or call your doctor right away if you or your child experience:

• Drooping of the eyelid
• Fever that won’t break
• Light sensitivity, seeing flashing lights or wavy lines
• Loss of vision or double vision
• Severe redness, inflammation, and a hot feeling
• Severe swelling (the eye is shut or almost shut)

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.

12 causes and treatments of a swollen eyelid: Stye, chalazion, allergies

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A swollen eyelid is more than just a cosmetic annoyance. It can be terrifying, particularly if the swelling is severe enough to interfere with a person’s ability to see.

Most causes of swollen eyelids are harmless, but seemingly minor problems can be quite serious. So, if a person has swollen eyelids, it is a good idea for them to seek care from an optometrist or ophthalmologist.

If someone has experienced swollen eyelids before, it is probably safe for them to treat the condition at home for a few days.

A stye (hordeolum) is an infection of a gland in the eyelid. The most common type of stye infects the tear glands that are at the base of the eyelashes. Styes also sometimes occur inside the eyelid due to infected oil glands.

Styes usually begin as red, itchy, painful, swollen lumps. Over the course of a few hours or a few days, they start to resemble a pimple. Some have a white head.

In most cases, the infection only affects a single tear or oil gland and requires no treatment. Warm compresses can help with the pain.

People should avoid eye products, including makeup and eye creams until the stye disappears. They should also never try to pop the stye as this can spread the infection and damage the eye.

Antibiotics may help in the following situations:

• several styes appear at once
• the stye is very painful
• the symptoms worsen
• a fever develops
• vision is impaired

If a person experiences any of these symptoms with a stye, they should contact an eye doctor.

A chalazion looks like a stye, but it is not an infection. Instead, a chalazion occurs when an oil gland in the eyelid gets clogged.

People who have had one chalazion tend to get more, and the bumps can grow quite large. However, chalazia rarely hurt. They typically express on their own after several days, much like a pimple.

Warm compresses can help a chalazion clear more quickly.

When chalazia grow very large, they can interfere with vision and may become painful. It can also be difficult to tell the difference between a chalazion, a stye, or an eye infection.

If the bump does not go away after a few days or there are other signs of an infection, such as a fever, a person should contact an eye doctor.

If itchy, red, watery eyes accompany a swollen eyelid, the cause could be an eye allergy. Dust, pollen, and other common allergens can irritate the eyes, triggering an allergic reaction.

Eye allergies are rarely dangerous, but they can be annoying.

Avoiding known allergens is the best form of treatment, but some people get relief from taking antihistamines, such as Benadryl. Over-the-counter eye drops, which are available to buy online, can also help with itchiness and dryness, but if symptoms persist, people should contact an eye doctor. The doctor may recommend allergy testing or prescription treatments.

Exhaustion or fatigue can make eyelids look puffy and swollen. Water retention overnight can also affect the eyelids. It can make them look swollen and puffy in the morning, particularly if the person did not sleep well.

Applying a cold compress while lying with the head elevated on a pillow may help. Drinking a glass of water may also help reduce fluid retention and swelling.

Crying can rupture tiny blood vessels in the eyes and eyelids, particularly if crying is forceful or long-lived.

Swollen eyelids that occur after a person has been crying can be the result of fluid retention, which is caused by the increase in blood flow to the area around the eyes.

Rest, cool compresses, elevating the head, and drinking water may help.

Share on PinterestStrenuous crying may cause fluid retention in the eyelid, making it appear swollen.

When makeup and skincare products get into the eyes, they can irritate the eyes and surrounding tissue, creating a swollen, red, painful mess.

Allergic reactions to these products can also trigger swollen eyelids.

If people experience burning and swollen eyes, they should use artificial tears (eyedrops) that are available online and at the drugstore, to help soothe the discomfort.

If the burning continues or gets worse, the person should see an eye doctor.

Avoid using eye-whitening drops or any other products to relieve the pain. These products can have unexpected chemical reactions with makeup and skincare products.

Orbital cellulitis is an infection deep in the tissue of the eyelid. It can spread quickly and is often extremely painful. Even a tiny cut can introduce enough bacteria to trigger orbital cellulitis.

If the eyelid is very painful, red, streaked, or swollen, a person should seek emergency medical care.

Cellulitis is a serious infection that requires antibiotic treatment. Depending on the severity of the infection, it may be necessary to receive intravenous (IV) antibiotics.

Graves’ disease is an endocrine disorder that causes an overactive thyroid. This condition can cause the thyroid to mistakenly release cells to fight a nonexistent infection in the eye. The antibodies it releases can cause swelling and inflammation in the eye.

A range of treatments is available for Graves’ disease, including thyroid surgery and various medications.

Ocular herpes is a herpes infection in and around the eyes. Though anyone can develop ocular herpes, it is most common in children. Ocular herpes can look a lot like pink eye but does not always produce distinct lesions.

To diagnose herpes, a doctor will need to take an eye culture to check for the presence of the virus. Though the virus remains in the body and there is no cure, antiviral medications can manage the symptoms.

Share on PinterestRemoving eye makeup properly can help to prevent blepharitis and other conditions that may cause swollen eyelids.

Some people have more bacteria in and around their eyelids than others. These bacteria can cause a condition called blepharitis.

People with blepharitis may have oily eyelids and dandruff-like flakes around their eyelashes. Some people with blepharitis develop painful, inflamed eyelids.

Blepharitis is a chronic condition that has no cure. Instead, it tends to outbreaks of symptoms that get better and then worse. Warm compresses, careful removal of any eye makeup, and eyelid scrubs may help. An ophthalmologist or optometrist may prescribe an antibiotic ointment.

Sometimes, blepharitis leads to a more severe infection. If a blepharitis outbreak is worse than previous ones, or if the pain is intense, contact an eye doctor.

When a tear duct is blocked, the eye cannot fully drain tears, which results in pain and redness on the eyelid. People with blocked eyelids may also notice crusty drainage. Their eyes may be sealed shut upon waking.

Newborns and infants are especially vulnerable to blocked tear ducts. Symptoms often improve by the time they are 1 year old.

In most cases, a blocked tear duct is annoying but not harmful. Warm compresses can ease swelling and help the tear duct drain. Try gently massaging the area to reduce pressure and drain the duct.

A blocked tear duct can sometimes become infected. If the eyelid is very painful, or if a person develops a fever, they should seek prompt care. The infection may need antibiotics.

If blocked tear ducts do not clear up, a doctor may need to perform a medical procedure to open it.

Conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye, is inflammation of the eye’s conjunctiva, which is the clear, thin tissue that lines the eyelid and eyeball. People with pink eye usually have pink or red eyeballs and may experience pain, itching, and swollen eyelids.

The most common form of conjunctivitis is a viral infection that clears up on its own after 7-10 days. However, a bacterial infection can also cause conjunctivitis. Occasionally, allergies or irritants such as perfume irritate the eye, causing conjunctivitis.

Warm compresses can help with the pain. People should also aim to:

• keep the eye clean and free of makeup
• avoid rubbing or touching the eye
• wash hands frequently to prevent the spread of the infection

If symptoms get worse, the pain becomes severe, or the pink eye does not clear up in a few days, the doctor may prescribe antibiotics.

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Swollen Eyelids? Causes & How to Fix Them (Fast)

At some point, nearly everyone experiences swollen eyelids from allergies, irritation, inflammation, or infections. ^{(Learn More)} It is important to know the symptoms so you know how to manage the problem, but treatment can begin at home for the first day or two.

Puffy eyes are often mistaken for swollen eyes, but puffiness can occur for several reasons. ^{(Learn More)} Common causes of swollen eyes, not puffy eyes, start with allergies, but include serious infections that need medical treatment. ^{(Learn More)} Less common causes of swollen or inflamed eyes are often chronic conditions that require medications and ongoing doctors’ appointments. ^{(Learn More)}

The health of your eyes is closely associated with the health of the rest of your body, so understanding swollen eyelids can help you get the treatment you need. ^{(Learn More)}

What Causes Swollen Eyelids?

Swelling on eyelids can have several potential causes, which may have other symptoms, depending on how serious the condition is. By themselves, swollen eyelids may be a temporary condition. They can feel uncomfortable or irritating, but they will go away on their own.

Your eyelids may swell when there is inflamed tissue or excessive fluid (edema) around the connective tissues of the eye near the eyeball. The experience may be painful, hot, itchy, or uncomfortable, or it may simply look odd.

Aside from enlarged tissues around your eyes and difficulty moving your eyelids, symptoms associated with swollen eyes include:

• Itching or scratchy sensations in or around your eyes.
• Sensitivity to light.
• Watery eyes.
• Redness in the whites of the eyes.
• Obstructed vision.
• Redness on the skin of the eyelid.
• Discharge from the eye.
• Dryness or flaking skin on or around the eyelid.
• Pain or feeling hot (symptoms of infection).

The Difference Between Puffy and Swollen Eyelids

Many people may develop “puffy” eyes and think, at first, that their eyelids are swollen. There are some differences between puffy and swollen that are important to keep in mind, however.

Puffy eyes may be inherited, caused by a lack of sleep, or due to crying. Stress, fatigue, and allergies may all contribute to puffy eyes, which can obstruct your vision and become uncomfortable. Puffy eyes typically do not have other symptoms associated with them, however, and they can be safely treated at home.

You may go for a “spa treatment” and place cucumber slices over your eyes; you may use a small amount of Preparation H to reduce swelling; or you could take an antihistamine, which will reduce inflammation all over your body. These at-home treatments for puffiness are safe and effective in the short term.

There are many common causes of puffy eyes.

• Eating too much salt, leading to fluid retention
• Allergies that lead to inflammation
• Irritation around the eyes from cosmetics
• Sinus problems or infection
• Dehydration
• Sleeplessness
• Stress
• Inherited factors
• Aging
• Crying

Puffiness typically goes away on its own and does not have other symptoms associated with it. Swelling in the eyelids, however, can indicate a different underlying condition or a more serious problem with your health.

Understanding the different potential causes of swollen eyes, and the symptoms associated with them, can help you determine when to see a doctor for medical treatment.

Common Causes of Swollen Eyelids

Nearly everyone experiences swollen eyelids at some point in their lives, typically from irritation, infection, or allergies. However, there are other common conditions that may be more serious, which require an eye exam for an appropriate diagnosis rather than home treatment.

• Contact allergy: Getting a particle of dust, pollen, or pet dander in your eye can cause a small amount of irritation, which may lead to swelling. If you do not have an overall allergic reaction, swelling and itching will go away on their own. You may benefit from taking an antihistamine to control the inflammation.If swelling does not go away on its own after one or two days, see a doctor. Some of the tissues in or around your eye may have an infection.
• Widespread allergy: If you struggle with allergies to plants, animals, or dust, you may frequently develop puffy, swollen, red, watery, itchy, or dry eyes. Antihistamines or anti-inflammatory medications can reduce some of these symptoms. If you have severe allergies, working with a doctor to manage prescription medications will reduce eye swelling since it is a symptom of your allergies.
• Eye irritation: Getting a particle of makeup or dirt in your eye can temporarily irritate your orbital socket and cause a small amount of puffiness or swelling. Remove contact lenses if you are wearing them, and gently wash your eye out with water or eye drops. Do not put contact lenses back in until swelling has gone away.
• Blepharitis: This may be an infection of the tissues around the eye, or it could be associated with the herpes simplex virus. Along with eyelid swelling, you may notice yellow crust along the eyelashes, itching or burning eyes, redness, and sores. This typically affects both eyes at the same time. A doctor’s examination can determine if blepharitis is causing your symptoms and begin your treatment.
• Chalazion: This is the enlargement of an oil gland inside your eyelid, and it typically affects only one eye at a time. You will develop an enlarged, red, sore area that will look like a small mound. Pain will go away first, followed by decreased swelling. A doctor’s examination is required for treatment because it will not go away on its own.
• Conjunctivitis: More commonly known as pink eye, this is an infection characterized by redness, discharge, and sometimes crust on the eyelashes. It can affect one or both eyes, and it may look like an allergic reaction at first. Symptoms will get worse, not better, so see a doctor for medicated eye drops and stop wearing your contact lenses immediately.
• Stye: The medical term for a stye is hordeolum, and this typically is a red, inflamed, painful area in one eyelid. Eventually, the swelling will even out, sometimes with small, raised, pus-filled bumps. Visit a doctor for treatment recommendations if it doesn’t clear in a couple days.
• Insect bite: Itching, redness, and a small bump suggest you may have been bitten by a bug or insect, but a doctor will be able to accurately distinguish between an insect bite and other potential causes of eyelid swelling.

Less Common Medical Conditions Associated With Swollen Eyelids

There are several medical conditions that involve swollen eyelids as one symptom. Treatment specifically for this swelling may be home-based, but treating the underlying medical condition is crucial.

• Shingles: This is the same virus that causes chicken pox, which lies dormant after the initial infection but may become active again in adulthood. The most common symptoms are skin rash and pain, particularly along the sides or flanks of the body. In rare cases, you may develop a rash around the face, which can cause swelling in or around your eyelids.
• Orbital cellulitis: Tissue infection in or around the eye socket can present as eyelid swelling. This will be accompanied with redness, pain in the eyeball, and bulging eyes. It will start in one eye and spread to the other.
• Preseptal/periorbital cellulitis: Like orbital cellulitis, this is an infection of skin tissue, but it occurs around the outside of the eye rather than the interior tissues. This may be accompanied by pain and fever.
• Hypothyroidism: An underactive thyroid gland mostly causes fatigue and weight changes, but puffy or swollen eyes may be one of several symptoms that your body is not managing hormone production. This requires a doctor’s diagnosis to begin treatment.
• Graves’ disease: The opposite of hypothyroidism, this condition involves an overactive thyroid gland caused by an immune problem. Bulging eyes, double vision, anxiety, weight loss, and rapid heartbeat are all symptoms of Graves’ disease, which can only be diagnosed by a medical professional.
• Systemic disorders (preeclampsia, kidney disease, cardiovascular disease, and liver failure): Edema, or fluid retention, is a symptom of many diseases that affect the whole body. The eyes are one of several areas where you may notice unusual swelling.

Get Help From Medical Professionals for Serious Issues With Swollen Eyelids

The health of your eyes reflects your overall physical health. When a saline solution, warm or cold compress, or anti-inflammatory drugs do not treat puffy or swollen eyelids, or the condition is accompanied by a rash, fever, serious itching, redness, or discharge, you should see a doctor.

Infections and inflammation can lead to damage to your eyes and even cause blindness when untreated. Often, swelling that does not go away indicates an underlying medical condition that requires more intensive treatment.

References

Swollen Eyelids: Causes and Treatment. (August 2017). All About Vision.

Some Causes and Features of Eyelid Swelling. Merck Manual, Consumer Version.

How to Get Rid of Puffy Eyes and Dark Circles. (February 2018). All About Vision.

Twelve Causes and Treatments of a Swollen Eyelid. (July 4, 2017). Medical News Today.

Top Causes of Swollen Eyelids. (December 1, 2018). Verywell Health.

Spring Symptoms: 7 Ways to Soothe Eye Allergies

Spring is just around the corner, and the change in season promises fairer weather and new beginnings. Unfortunately, the new growth of spring can also create seasonal allergies that leave you with congestion, headaches, and itchy, swollen eyes.

To combat seasonal eye allergies, you must have a dual focus on both prevention and treatment for symptoms. Use these seven methods to soothe your eye irritations related to allergies.

1. Avoid Allergens

The best strategy to minimize your eye discomfort during the spring is to limit your exposure to allergens. As winter comes to an end, create an actionable plan that helps you avoid seasonal allergens like pollen.

Steps you take may include:

• Changing your HVAC filters before turning on your cooling system for the first time
• Checking pollen levels online as part of your daily routine
• Cleaning your home more frequently
• Keeping your windows closed
• Spring cleaning before the weather actually warms up

These preventative measures are an important first step to good eye health during allergy season.

2. Don’t Wear Your Contacts

If you are prone to allergy-related eye irritation, stop wearing your contacts for the first month or so of spring weather. While contacts do not cause allergy symptoms, they can aggravate any symptoms that do appear.

To prepare for switching to full-time glasses use, you may want to schedule an eye exam. This exam presents a good opportunity for you to check that your glasses prescription is current and to make any necessary updates to maintain your comfort and vision quality.

3. Rinse With Saline

Eye allergies can cause changes in tear production. Many individuals experience eye dryness or excess tears due to allergies. In some cases, your eyes may water frequently but still feel dry due to allergens.

Much of this type of irritation occurs when airborne allergens come into contact with the surface of the eyeball. To minimize your allergen exposure, rinse your eyes with saline solution as necessary. This saline rinse can also reduce the urge to rub your eyes, which is essential because rubbing can trigger a release of more histamines and cause redness, swelling, and blood vessel breakage.

4. Use Medicated Eye Drops

In addition to sterile rinses, medicated eye drops may help relieve some of the discomfort associated with seasonal eye allergies. Decongestant or antihistamine drops can control redness, itchiness, and other symptoms.

You may also want to use artificial tears to help maintain correct eye lubrication. Before you begin a new eye health regimen, consult with your optometrist to determine which brand and formula is best for your symptoms.

5. Try Cold Therapy

Many individuals notice redness, tenderness, and swelling in the eye area when suffering from allergies. Cold therapy can provide immediate soothing relief for these symptoms, including improving the appearance of the skin around the eyes.

Use a soft cloth or compress designed for use in the eye area. These compresses are gentler than traditional cold therapy tools and are safer for your eyes. Soak the compress in cool water, wring it out, and place over the eyes. You can refresh the compress with water when the cloth no longer feels cold.

To address more intense symptoms, wet your compress, wring out the cloth, and put it in the refrigerator for 10 to 15 minutes. This colder compress will last longer and provide relief for more advanced swelling.

6. Wash Your Hands and Face Frequently

As mentioned above, many eye allergy symptoms come from allergens landing on the eye. In addition to floating airborne allergens, your eyes could also suffer from contact with allergens that are transferred in on your skin or hair.

Wash your hands more frequently during allergy season. You should also wash your face twice a day and rinse the area around your eyes as needed. These steps reduce the concentration of allergens on your skin. You may also want to pin back any hair that may cover your face at eye height to minimize your allergen exposure.

7. Wear Sunglasses

When you do need to be outside, wear glasses to protect the surface of your eyes from direct contact with allergens. You may prefer to wear sunglasses rather than your usual glasses because most sunglasses have larger lenses than everyday eyeglasses and, therefore, provide more protection.

If you need constant vision correction, but want the benefits of wearing sunglasses, talk to your eye doctor about investing in a pair of high-quality prescription sunglasses.

If you experience eye allergies, make an appointment with an optometrist at the All About Eyes location nearest you. You should always consult with an eye doctor before you use a new type of over-the-counter eye drops because a prescription oral antihistamine, eye drops, or injection may be more effective to manage your symptoms. If your allergies cause vision changes, feelings of a foreign object in your eye, or acute pain, make an emergency appointment as soon as possible.

90,000 What to do if eyes are swollen due to allergies?

Allergy in the eyes is a phenomenon familiar to many people. It can be caused by various factors: flowering plants, animal hair, conjunctivitis and others. In this case, a very strong allergic edema may appear on the eyes. How to deal with it before seeing a doctor? Here’s what you can do at home to eliminate these symptoms.

Allergy is an abnormal reaction of the body to the effect of a substance.This is due to impaired functioning of the immune system. There are a great many allergens – more than 20 thousand of them are known to doctors! Usually, their effect is primarily manifested in the eyes, since the mucous membrane is extremely sensitive. What happens to the eyes during an allergy attack?

Symptoms

The organs of vision begin to react immediately to the stimulus, and the following manifestations are observed:

• redness of the conjunctiva and proteins;
• itching in the eyes, tearing;
• light sensitivity;
• pain on eye movement;
• purulent discharge, swelling of the eyelids.

Swollen eyelids are one of the most common symptoms during an allergic attack. The longer the stimulus lasts, the more the eyelids can swell. This is dangerous to the health of the eyes, as the edema can spread to other mucous organs – the nasopharynx, throat, mucous membranes. In such a situation, you need to take prompt measures to eliminate puffiness. If it is strong enough and progressing, be sure to call an ambulance. With a slight swelling, you can use medicines and folk remedies.

Traditional medicine

Various types of compresses are a long-known and effective way to remove eye swelling. To do this, you need to make an infusion of medicinal herbs – for example, string, chamomile, sage, as well as brew strong black tea or dilute baking soda. Soak a cotton swab in any of the listed liquids and apply on the swelling for 10-15 minutes. This will facilitate the efficient drainage of fluid from the subcutaneous adipose tissue.

Another common folk treatment method is compresses made from simple foods.Grate an apple, potato or cucumber, wrap it in a gauze bag and attach it to your eyes. A compress made of ice will also help.

Adsorbent

If the cause of an allergic reaction is a food product, then it is necessary to remove it from the body as quickly as possible. The most famous and affordable adsorbent is activated carbon, as well as the preparations Enterosgel, Polysorb, Polyphepan and the like. Their reception is well combined with compresses. In the absence of any adsorbents in the first-aid kit, you can simply drink more water in order to quickly cleanse the body of the allergen (it will be excreted along with the liquid).

Medicines

Every person subject to periodic allergic attacks must have a store of antihistamines at home. To eliminate the edema, you need to take any similar medication, for example, Telfast, Suprastin, Tavegil, Zirtek and others from this category of drugs. The place of edema can be lubricated with hydrocortisone, salicylic ointment, as well as Nise or Elocom.

What is the risk of eye swelling in case of allergies?

With a sharp and rapidly progressing edema, it can turn into Quincke’s edema, which manifests itself in inflammation of other mucous membranes (nasopharynx, tongue), as well as severe redness of the skin.The reaction to an allergen is sometimes so severe that the eye can close completely and even begin to choke. Such symptoms are common with insect bites (midges, bees, wasps). In addition, allergic edema can spread to the cornea, iris, optic nerve, and uveal tract. If you do not take emergency measures, then this can threaten with a serious deterioration in vision.

MagazinLinz.ru team

Twelve causes of eyelid edema and methods of their treatment

A swollen eyelid is much worse than just a cosmetic defect.This condition can look intimidating, especially when the swelling of the eyelid is so severe that it prevents you from seeing normally.

Usually, the causes of swelling of the eyelids are harmless. However, seemingly insignificant problems can actually be quite serious. Therefore, if your eyelids are swollen, you should seek help from your doctor.

Allergy

If the eyes watery, itch, become red and this is accompanied by swelling of the eyelids, the cause may be an allergy.Pollen, animal allergens, and others can irritate the eyes, causing an allergic reaction.

Eye allergies are rarely dangerous but can cause irritation. Avoiding known allergens is the best form of treatment.

But in the event that the symptoms persist, you should consult a doctor . He will recommend allergy testing or treatment.

Cosmetics

When makeup and skin care products come in contact with the eyes, they can irritate the eyes and affect surrounding tissues.This forms eyelid edema, which turns red and sore. This condition can be a manifestation of contact dermatitis.

In addition, another allergic reaction to cosmetics can provoke edema.

In order to feel better, you need to wash off the makeup well from the eyelids.

If the burning sensation continues or intensifies, consult a doctor . To establish a diagnosis, he will conduct patch testing and prescribe remedies that will help relieve eyelid swelling.

Do not use eye whitening drops or any pain relief medication. Such drugs can enter into undesirable chemical reactions with decorative and care cosmetics.

Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye, is inflammation of the conjunctiva. It is a transparent thin tissue that covers the outside of the eye as well as the back of the eyelids.

People with conjunctivitis usually have pink or red eyeballs, pain, itching, and swollen eyelids.

Most often, conjunctivitis is caused by a viral infection, less often by a bacterial infection. Inflammation caused by viruses goes away on its own in 7-10 days.

Sometimes allergies or irritants such as perfume irritate the eyes, causing conjunctivitis.

To prevent the onset and development of conjunctivitis, it is important:

• keep your eyes clean;
• Do not rub or touch your eyes;
• Wash hands frequently to prevent the spread of infection.

In order not to worsen the condition of the eyes, at the first manifestations of conjunctivitis, stop applying makeup on them.

If symptoms worsen, pain gets worse, or conjunctivitis persists for a long time, antibiotics are likely to be needed. They must be prescribed by a doctor.

Barley (hordeolum)

Barley (hordeolum) is an infection of the gland on the eyelid. The most common type of barley infects the lacrimal glands located at the base of the eyelashes.In addition, barley sometimes forms inside the eyelid, in an infected sebaceous gland.

As a rule, barley begins with the development of red, itchy, painful swollen lumps. Subsequently, after a few hours or days, they begin to resemble acne. Some people may have an abscess.

Usually, the infection only affects one lacrimal or sebaceous gland and does not require treatment. In this case, warm compresses can relieve pain.

Patients should avoid eye care products, including cosmetics and creams, until the barley disappears.And never try to squeeze out the stye – it can spread the infection and damage the eye.

Antibiotics can help if:

• several barley appears at once,
• very painful barley,
• symptoms worsen,
• develops a fever,
• vision is impaired.

If you experience any of these symptoms with barley, be sure to see your doctor.

Chalazion

Chalazion is similar to barley, but this is not an infectious pathology.A similar disease occurs when the outlet channel is blocked. This leads to chronic proliferative inflammation of the eyelid cartilage gland.

Moreover, people who have had one case of such a disease may have relapses. The swelling can get quite large.

However, the chalazion rarely hurts. It usually goes away on its own after a few days, just like acne.

Warm compresses can help the chalazion cleanse faster.

When the chalazion increases, it becomes painful and begins to interfere with vision.It is usually difficult to tell the difference between chalazion, barley, or an eye infection.

If the lump does not go away after a few days or there are other signs of infection, such as fever, the patient should see a doctor.

Depletion

Fatigue or exhaustion can make the eyelids look thick and puffy. As well as the retention of water in the body during the night. Especially if the person slept badly.

Applying a cold compress while lying on a pillow may help.Drinking a glass of water can help reduce fluid retention and eyelid swelling.

Crying

Crying can rupture tiny blood vessels in the eyes and eyelids, especially if it is strong or prolonged.

When eyelid edema occurs after crying, fluid retention caused by increased blood flow to the eye area may be the cause.

Relaxation, cool compresses, lifting your head and drinking water will help here.

Orbital cellulite

Orbital cellulitis is an infection deep in the tissues of the eyelid, behind the orbital septum. It can spread quickly and is often very painful. Even a small cut can produce bacteria in quantities that can cause orbital cellulite.

If the eyelid is red, streaked, very painful, or swollen, seek emergency medical attention.

Cellulite is a severe infectious pathology that must be treated with antibiotics.When the infection is complicated, you may need to take these drugs intravenously.

Basedow’s disease (diffuse toxic goiter)

Basedow’s disease is an endocrine disease caused by an overactive thyroid gland. It can cause the thyroid gland to malfunction, mistakenly releasing antibodies to fight off a non-existent eye infection.

Antibodies secreted by the thyroid gland can cause swelling and inflammation of the eyes.

There are several treatments for Graves’ disease, including various medications and thyroid surgery.

Ophthalmic herpes

Ophthalmic herpes is a herpes infection in and around the eyes. Although anyone can develop ocular herpes, it is most common in children. In this case, the eye turns red.

To diagnose herpes, the doctor needs to take an eye culture to test for the virus.Although the virus remains in the body and cannot be cured, antiviral drugs prescribed by your doctor can help manage your symptoms.

Blepharitis

More bacteria accumulate on and around some people’s eyelids than others. These bacteria can cause a condition called blepharitis.

The eyelids of such people appear oily and scaly. It looks like dandruff around the eyelashes. In addition, some people develop painful inflammation of the eyelids.

Blepharitis is a chronic disease that does not respond to treatment. It tends to worsen from time to time, and a treatment strategy can only be determined with a doctor.

Sometimes blepharitis leads to a more serious infection. If an outbreak of blepharitis is stronger than previous ones or the pain is very intense, see your doctor immediately.

Blocked lacrimal canal

When the tear duct is blocked, the eye cannot drain the tears completely.As a result – pain and redness of the eyelids.

People with a blocked lacrimal canal may also feel the crunch of the eyelids, having difficulty opening their eyes upon waking.

Newborns and infants are particularly prone to clogged tear ducts. The condition of such children often improves until they turn 1 year old.

A blocked tear duct can sometimes become infected. If the eyelid is very sore or the patient has a fever, you should immediately seek medical help.Antibiotics may be needed if there is an infection.

When a blocked tear duct does not clear, your doctor may order a medical procedure to clear it.

90,000 How to remove facial swelling? – Anti-Malware.ru

It is unlikely that there is at least one person who would not be faced with the appearance of “bags” under the eyes and swelling of the face. There are many reasons for the appearance of edema, so it is impossible to unequivocally answer the question of how to remove facial edema. Each specific situation requires different actions.

How to relieve facial swelling in case of injury?

Any trauma to the facial area is accompanied by edema; to relieve puffiness, you can use kinesiotape https://bbtape.ru/. In the first hours after injury, apply ice to the affected area or apply cold compresses. This will significantly reduce the size of the bruise and associated soft tissue edema.

In the future, gruel from potato tubers grated on a fine grater is used. Trace elements and vitamins contained in this vegetable have a beneficial effect on the condition of the capillary walls, reduce their permeability and thereby help to reduce swelling and pain.

You can also use body weight to quickly reduce facial swelling in the event of an injury. The powder of this plant is diluted with boiling water to the consistency of liquid sour cream and rubbed into the skin at the site of injury. It is possible to speed up the process of resorption of hematoma and edema by alternating rubbing with body weight and applying Troxevasin gel.

How to remove puffiness from the face using PMS?

In the days before the beginning of the next menstruation, the balance of sex hormones in a woman’s body changes.Increased estrogen levels delay sodium excretion, which causes swelling of the hands and face. Therefore, if you suffer from PMS symptoms, you should limit your intake of sodium chloride, which is the main source of sodium ions in your body.

Decoctions and infusions of other renal tea and birch buds help relieve facial swelling in PMS. But it is advisable to refuse the use of furosemide and other diuretics in this situation.

Sodium metabolism is closely related to potassium metabolism.Consequently, doctors recommend that women include baked potatoes, dried apricots, and other potassium-rich foods in their diet in the days leading up to their period.

Increased levels of estrogen in the blood of women also explain facial swelling that occurs during pregnancy. You can read about how to get rid of them quickly and at the same time not harm the baby in our article.

How to quickly remove swelling from the face after a sleepless night?

Facial edema often occurs as a result of a sleepless night.In this case, beauticians recommend making hot and cold facial lotions. The alternation of different temperatures perfectly stimulates blood and lymph circulation, which allows you to quickly remove puffiness from the face.

As an additional procedure, you can rub your face with an ice cube.

Facial edema after a sleepless night is often combined with redness of the eyes, which can be eliminated by instilling eye drops with a vasoconstrictor effect, for example, Vizin drops.

How and how to relieve facial swelling in case of allergies?

Currently, more than three hundred thousand different substances are known that can cause allergic swelling of the face.This edema is characterized by sudden onset, rapid growth, and painlessness. In this case, you must take a pill of any antihistamine (antiallergic) drug (for example, tavegil or suprastin) and immediately seek medical attention.

Remember that even a slight, in your opinion, allergic swelling of the face can grow very quickly and lead to the development of the so-called Quincke’s edema. As a result, not only the skin and subcutaneous tissues swell, but also the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract, which, in turn, can cause suffocation and even death.Therefore, the treatment of allergic swelling on the face should be carried out only by an allergist.

As an additional treatment that allows you to quickly relieve puffiness on the face, you can resort to alternative methods of therapy:

Take well-dried burdock and dandelion roots in equal proportions. Grind them with a coffee grinder to a fine powder. Put two tablespoons of the mixture in a thermos and pour three cups of boiling water over it. Insist one day. The infusion is taken several times a day, one hundred milliliters half an hour before meals.Infusion from bear ears has a pronounced diuretic effect and allows you to quickly relieve puffiness on the face. To prepare it, take one tablespoon of plant materials and brew with a glass of boiling water. Insist for at least two hours. Take one tablespoon five times a day.

90,000 Eye swelling in case of allergies – what to do?

Allergic edema of the eyes is a fairly common phenomenon, especially in children, which causes a lot of trouble. This is a severe manifestation of allergic conjunctivitis, develops very quickly and can spread further through the body, so treatment should be started immediately.About why there is eye swelling and what to do at the same time, we will tell in this article.
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How to distinguish allergic edema?

Eye edema in case of allergy

The main distinguishing feature of allergic conjunctivitis is the absence of painful sensations. Even if you feel the swollen area, you will not feel pain. Therefore, allergic edema of the eyes can be easily distinguished from inflammatory.

Most often, the upper eyelid swells, but the swelling can spread to other parts of the eye.Sometimes they simply cannot be opened due to a very strong swelling. Most often, this phenomenon occurs in children and can provoke Quincke’s edema, which is life-threatening.

Inflammatory edema of the eye

The area that is prone to edema turns red, may acquire a bluish tinge. In this case, both one eye and both can suffer. Very often, edema also affects the cheek.

During angioedema of the eyes, as this disease is called in medicine, intraocular pressure is greatly increased.If other parts of the eye are involved in the reaction, it is fraught with deterioration and loss of vision. That is why treatment for conjunctivitis must be started at the first symptoms.

Causes of eye swelling

Eye edema in case of allergy

The most common reason is the use of medicines to which a person has an individual intolerance. In this case, the reaction develops very quickly and can cover a very wide area. Basically, this reaction is caused by antibiotics, preparations containing iodine, as well as vitamin complexes.

Eye swelling can develop in women when using cosmetics. Therefore, you need to be especially careful not to experiment with new products, test them on other areas of the skin, for example, the elbow bend. In this place, the vessels are close to the skin, so any intolerance will immediately manifest itself, while the symptoms will pass quickly enough, unlike the eyes.

A child may develop allergic conjunctivitis after insect bites. Treatment in this case is symptomatic, it is necessary to take antihistamines, as well as a doctor’s consultation to reduce the risk of developing Quincke’s edema.

In fact, any substance can trigger eye swelling if you are allergic: animal dander, dust, food, chemicals, pollen, as well as the use of contact lenses and exposure to cold. Therefore, allergies need to be treated comprehensively in order to prevent the development of severe conditions.

Here are some more reasons that can provoke eye swelling:

• Chronic lack of sleep and overwork

• Eating a large amount of salty foods, as salt retains water in the body and provokes edema

• Disorders of the urinary system

• Viruses

• Disorders of the cardiovascular system

• Tendency to conjunctivitis of non-allergic nature

What to do if eyes are swollen?

The very first thing to do is to limit contact with the allergen, if you know exactly what causes the allergic reaction.You can not use creams, ointments, other substances that can provoke a worsening of the condition.

You can take any antihistamine on your own, rinse your eyes and face with water, and then immediately go to the hospital to find the right treatment. Most often, the doctor prescribes hormonal (corticosteroid) drugs. They quickly deal with allergy symptoms and prevent the reaction from progressing. However, such drugs have many side effects, so you need to strictly adhere to the doctor’s recommendations for admission.

To relieve edema, it is necessary to use anti-inflammatory drugs, as well as vasoconstrictor drops. They can help treat swelling and relieve the condition in an adult or child.

It is very important to remove the allergen from the body as soon as possible and relieve the symptoms of inflammation. If we are talking about food or drug allergies, then gastric lavage and drinking plenty of fluids is possible. You can take any sorbents that will help you quickly get rid of the unwanted substance and ease the course of the allergic reaction.Treatment should be comprehensive so that the effect is achieved as quickly as possible.

After the acute condition has been removed, immunotherapy can be prescribed, which will be aimed at restoring the body’s defenses so that it can resist allergens more effectively. In addition, a course of antihistamines is required. If edema occurs in a child, further therapy should be agreed with the doctor, since the drugs have many contraindications for use in children.

After swelling of the eyes, in no case should you eat foods that are classified as strong allergens.This group includes citrus fruits, milk, cereals, honey, fish. Even if you are not allergic to these foods, a weakened immune system can provoke a second reaction.

Eye swelling in a child

Children’s allergies require a separate discussion, since the child’s body is not yet sufficiently formed and cannot withstand all environmental factors to which the adult’s body is loyal.

In addition to puffiness of the eyes, the baby may experience the following disorders:

• Fever, headache, weakness, nausea, loss of appetite

• General body edema

• Pallor of the skin

• The child may have urinary retention, while it becomes cloudy or even reddish

Eye edema in case of allergy in a child

If you notice such symptoms other than a slight swelling of the eyes or bags under the eyes, you should immediately consult a doctor and find out the reasons for these problems.This is the first thing to do in such a situation.

Most often, children develop very severe edema as soon as possible, while it can spread to other parts of the face and neck and provoke a condition where the larynx can swell and interfere with normal breathing. That is why it is impossible to delay the visit to the doctor. In some cases, hospitalization and treatment in a hospital setting will be required.

General advice and advice

If you or your child are prone to allergic reactions, be wary of any health problems.For the period of exacerbations with seasonal allergies, constant therapy is needed, which will not allow unpleasant symptoms to appear and ruin the moments of life. The doctor should select the treatment individually, in accordance with the characteristics of the organism.

If you do not know the reasons why an allergic reaction develops, be sure to contact an allergist to make a test. This will help to start the fight against allergies in time and form an effective treatment.

Use cosmetics with caution, it is always better for a child to choose hypoallergenic products.Allergy sufferers need to keep the house clean, regularly wet clean and eliminate foods that are strong allergens from their diet.

symptoms and treatment in adults

WHY DO YOUR EYES RED IN ALLERGIES?

Allergic redness of the eyes – an inflammatory reaction, the body’s immune response to contact with an allergen.

Inflammation can develop after contact with allergens:

• plant pollen;
• household and street dust;
• medicines, contact lenses;
• components of household chemicals and cosmetics;

90,015 hair and epithelium of domestic animals;

90,015 bacteria, fungal spores and viruses.

ALLERGIC CONJUNCTIVITIS: SYMPTOMS AND TYPES

The whites of the eyes turn red in many ophthalmic diseases. To determine the cause of the redness, the doctor analyzes the accompanying symptoms and conducts an examination. An allergic reaction manifests itself through 1:

• itching in the eyes;
• burning in the eyes;
• increased lacrimation;
• swelling of the eyelids.

In severe disease, photophobia may appear.

In most cases, an allergic reaction can manifest itself in the form of allergic rhinoconjunctivitis. The seasonal form of the disease is accompanied by a runny nose and nasal congestion, sneezing, watery eyes and dry eyes, itching in the nose and eyes, and in some cases, photophobia is observed. In the chronic form, these symptoms are less pronounced, but supplemented by a decrease in the sense of smell and the secretion of mucus from the eyes.

TYPES OF ALLERGIC CONJUNCTIVITES:

1. Pollinous conjunctivitis is a seasonal disease: it is provoked by plant pollen.Pollinosis is exacerbated when allergenic plants are in bloom. Sometimes small follicles and papillae appear on the mucous membrane.
2. Drug conjunctivitis is an allergic reaction with eye damage that develops in response to medications or their components.
3. Hyperpapillary conjunctivitis develops when the mucous membrane is damaged by foreign bodies. For example, lenses or postoperative sutures.

Cold conjunctivitis also occurs. The low temperature outside causes reddening of the eyes, stinging, profuse tearing.Symptoms disappear if you enter a warm room.

DIAGNOSTICS AND TREATMENT OF ALLERGIC CONJUNCTIVITIS

An ophthalmologist or allergist can determine what causes itchy eyes. The doctor takes a history and examines the patient. Also, the patient may be assigned tests.

The doctor determines which allergen caused itching in the eyes and prescribes drug therapy. Depending on the treatment regimen, it may include:

• Antihistamines.They block histamine receptors on cells and the allergic reaction is reduced;
• Corticosteroids. Potent drugs that suppress allergic reactions. Used for severe allergies;
• Vasoconstrictor drops. Helps reduce eye swelling and redness.

The sooner the patient seeks the doctor, the sooner he will get rid of the symptoms. Reducing the symptoms of allergic rhinitis (including eye irritation) is facilitated by Erius, an antihistamine that has a long-term complex effect, reducing inflammation and allergy symptoms.

The drug Erius fights symptoms of allergy to seasonal and chronic factors. Seasonal allergens include mainly plant pollen – flowering forage grasses, cereals, trees. Chronic allergy develops through constant contact with dust, molds, factory and automobile exhaust gases suspended in the city air. Often, the history reveals a reaction to ingredients in cosmetics, insect bites and injections of drugs, as well as certain foods, but the eye reaction in this case may follow later.Even wearing contact lenses and improper care of them can cause a breakdown in the immune system.

When treating allergies, it is important not only to relieve symptoms, but also to determine the source of the failure of immune function in order to exclude subsequent interaction with allergens. Erius, on the other hand, helps to fight the effects of hundreds of allergens.

The main active ingredient of the Erius preparation is desloratadine, which has a complex effect on allergies:

• Symptom Relief,
• prevention of tissue edema,
• reduction of the inflammatory response.

90,000 Edema of the century: description of the disease, causes, symptoms, cost of treatment in Moscow

Swelling of the eyelids means a physiological abnormality in the form of an excessive amount of fluid that accumulates in the area of ​​loose connective tissue of fiber. The result of such a pathological process is the formation of significant swelling around the eyes.

It should be noted that initially, the area around the eyelids is often prone to edema.The reason for this predisposition lies in the structure of the subcutaneous fat layer. In addition, there are a large number of vessels in the sounded area.

Swelling of the eyelids is an alarming signal that a malfunction of any organs has occurred in the body. Aesthetics is very important for many people, but they forget about the priority of health over facial beauty. The cosmetologist will help to get rid of only the external manifestation of pathology, which can cause serious internal complications.

Not in all cases, swelling of the eyelids means any disease. With excessive fluid intake and addiction to salty foods, the face often swells in the morning. Such discomfort disappears on its own within 24 hours, and does not require medical intervention. A specialist should be consulted if the swelling has become systematic.

If we are talking about healthy people, then swelling of the eyelids may appear due to lack of rest. Increased physical activity can also cause swelling of the entire face.In case of heat, not only the movable folds around the eyes, but also the limbs often swell.

Varieties of sounded aesthetic and internal pathology have their own classification:

1. Inflammatory edema. The main reason for its occurrence is the damage to the eyes by bacteria. As a result of such a pathogenic attack, pus accumulates in this area, and the eyelids swell. Visually, this variety looks like reddening of the movable folds around the eyes and induration in the focus of inflammation.

2. Non-inflammatory edema. Unlike a bacterial infection, this species rarely manifests itself vividly. Its main symptom is the appearance of symptoms of pathology in the morning with damage to both eyes and pallor of the skin. Most often, the lower eyelids are susceptible to pathology, which is associated with dysfunction of the work of some internal organs.

3. Allergic edema. It develops rapidly if an external irritant hits directly on the mucous membrane of the eye.It will take 2 hours for the first signs of eyelid puffiness to appear after eating an allergen. With a severe headache, not only the skin folds around the optic organ swell up, but the entire face. Quincke’s edema is the most aggressive form of manifestation of pathology.

4. Traumatic edema. Usually, with it, it is not necessary to damage the eye directly. The eyelid will become more voluminous due to damage to the nerve tissues and muscles of the face.

5. Reactive edema. It should be noted with a special point.The reason for its occurrence is an inflammatory reaction in the area of ​​the paranasal sinuses.

The main causes of swelling of the eyelids, which cause significant discomfort and spoil the visual characteristics of the face:

1. Chronic diseases. Edema often occurs against the background of cardiovascular pathologies, pyelonephritis and endocrine problems.

2. Injuries. Any eye injury will provoke not only the appearance of a bruise, but also a hematoma.Impact / injury can damage the eyelids and begin to swell.

3. Eye problems. They are, in most cases, infectious. The eyelids are swollen with barley and conjunctivitis.

4. Congenital anatomy of the face. Some people have “heavy” eyelids from birth, which look swollen in good health.

5. Savings on cosmetics. When trying to buy cheap decorative or pseudo-natural cosmetics, instead of an attractive appearance, a woman can get significant swelling of the eyelids.

6. Reaction to tattooing. If you want to create the effect of “arrows” around the eyes, there is a risk of causing complications in the form of swelling of mobile skin folds.

7. Allergic reaction. It can arise in the form of both hay fever, and due to intolerance to certain food products. A separate case is a reaction to microscopic mites that live in the frame of glasses.

8. Bite of stinging insects. Even with a mosquito bite, a person can scratch their eye to its significant swelling.

9. Increased intracranial pressure. With its bright manifestations, the veins in the temples and forehead swell, and the eyelids also swell.

10. Hereditary factor. If in a person’s genus many members of the family have such an aesthetic defect, then there is a high probability of receiving this “gift”.

11. Wrong daily routine. Usually “owls” have swollen eyelids, which stay up late at night when it is necessary to get up early in the morning.

12. Demodectic mange. When the eyelids are affected by this parasite, eyelashes fall out along with their swelling, and pus is released from the eyes. The organs of vision begin to itch strongly, and there is a palpable burning sensation in this area.

13. Bad habits. When alcohol is abused, a significant amount of fluid is “washed out” from the body. As a result, a person begins to suffer from constant thirst, and then receives, as a bonus, swelling of the eyelids.

Not all of the listed reasons pose a threat to human health and life.People who have been diagnosed with problems with the heart, kidneys and endocrine glands are under special control. In the latter case, with an increase in the diameter of the neck, the entire face begins to swell.

Prevention of pathology should be systemic. Experts recommend adhering to the following rules so that the eyelids do not swell:

1. Rational use of liquids. At night, it is better not to eat salty foods, which cause increased thirst. It is enough to drink a glass of warm milk or herbal decoction before bed to avoid swelling and sleep soundly.Lovers of coffee and sugary carbonated drinks are better off limiting these drinks.

2. Compliance with personal eye hygiene. The eyelids must be thoroughly cleaned during morning and evening water procedures. This warning especially applies to women who apply decorative cosmetics to their eyes. Each family member should have their own personal face towel.

3. Refusal to save on your own health. Purchasing cosmetic products from trusted companies is a guarantee of avoiding the appearance of an allergic reaction to a fake.A consultation with a specialist, if you want to make a tattoo of the eyelids, also does not hurt.

4. Compliance with safety measures. Certain activities are associated with an increased risk to the eyes. To protect the eyelids, a special mask should be worn while working.

5. Safety rules in the summer. When out in the sun, protect your eyes with glasses, an umbrella or a wide-brimmed headgear.

6.Precautions when dealing with people. An interlocutor who coughs or has all the signs of formed barley is not the best option for close communication.

7. Thorough cleaning of the premises. The percentage of allergic reactions among the population to mold and dust is increasing. For this reason, damp cleaning should be carried out regularly in the home. It is necessary to get rid of old things that have become dust accumulators and a habitat for mites over time.

eight.Animal care. Pet hair is a potent allergen for many people. If there are carpets on the floor in the house, then they must be vacuumed several times a day. The animals themselves are recommended to be regularly combed (especially during the molting period).

If the eyelids are already swollen, then under the supervision of a specialist, you need to change your idea of ​​the correct construction of the daily routine, and change your attitude towards some things.

Treatment Principles

First aid to yourself

With a bruise of the eye, the eyelid may immediately increase in volume.Before visiting the emergency room, you should wash your hands with laundry or baby soap, because aromatic fragrances can cause an allergic reaction in the damaged area.

Treat the injury site with an antiseptic after removing dirt from it. The next step is to use a cold compress to stop the spread of the tumor. An important condition is the prohibition of pressure on the damaged area for 5 minutes. Such careless actions can cause injury to the eyeball. Then the area of ​​edema should be covered with a sterile bandage and urgently contact the emergency room.

Special warnings: do not even rub the bruised area with your fingers even with itching and wash your eyes if there is an open wound.

When choosing a therapy, first of all, the very cause of the pathology is eliminated. Otherwise, lotions, drops and tablets will not be beneficial, but tangible harm. Traditional medicine is good only in the form of accompanying therapy under the supervision of the attending physician.

Applying eye drops. It is necessary to clearly distinguish between their use depending on the etymology of the onset of pathology.Oftalmoferon and Aktipol are prescribed if the eye has been attacked by viruses. Tetracycline, Floxal and Ciprofloxacin are indispensable if the eyelid is affected by bacteria.

The use of decongestants. In most cases, they are prescribed when diagnosing a blockage of the lacrimal gland (dacryoadenitis). Tavegil, which is prescribed in a hospital setting, will help eliminate extensive swelling.

The appointment of analgesics. The inflammatory nature of the eyelid edema is often accompanied by pain, which is sometimes intense.To improve the general condition of the patient, he is prescribed Analgin injections. Massage of the problem area and physiotherapy will also help stop pain.

Use of ointments. Hydrocortisone ointment has an antibacterial effect and helps relieve swelling of the eyelid.

The use of absorbent. In this case, affordable activated carbon is fine. A similar precaution is necessary so that the provoking substance is excreted from the body along with the urine.In this case, you need to drink enough liquid, because otherwise the absorbent will not have the desired effect.

Taking anti-allergic drugs. They are used exclusively after a visit to an ophthalmologist. Usually, for allergic edema of the eyelids, Suprastin, Tavegil, Diphenhydramine, Zodak or Diazolin tablets are prescribed.

Cryodestruction. Liquid nitrogen is capable, in the absence of metastases, to contribute to the destruction of the focus of cancer. This technique allows you to detach tissues that have undergone life-threatening destruction.

Surgery. Its main task is to excise a malignant neoplasm with the capture of a small amount of tissue that has not been affected. In the future, during the analyzes within the normal range, the patient undergoes plastic surgery of the eyelid.

Burying the eyes. In this case, agents from the vasoconstrictor pharmacological group are used. In practice, Oktilia and Vizin proved to be effective.

The development of malignant edema at a later stage looks less optimistic.If the intramural cavity is affected, then during the operation, all tissues in the sounded area are excised. If surgical intervention is inappropriate, recommendations are limited to taking chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

How to remove eye puffiness in the morning: simple life hacks

June 21, 2020

June 21, 2020

Cosmo

We admit that each of us had cases when we asked a question – how to remove puffiness in the eyes in the morning, especially after a stormy evening (who is at a party and who is watching the new season of our favorite TV series).It turns out that the answer to it is very simple, moreover, puffiness under the eyes can be removed very quickly – in just 10-15 minutes.

We will share with you the secrets of eliminating puffiness in the eyes in the morning, we guarantee, following simple tips, you will no longer see a panda in the mirror in the morning (yes, they are cute, but not in this case, right?). But let’s first deal with the causes of puffiness and bags under the eyes.

Doctors call these very sacs periorbital edema and say that it is nothing more than the accumulation of fluid around the eyes.Usually we can see puffiness under the eyes, but in people who are “lucky” to have thin skin and in women over 40, it can appear around the entire eye. This arises from the fact that the body was unable to cope with metabolic processes and it simply failed to remove fluid or adipose tissue. So

Causes of eye puffiness in the morning:

Lack of sleep. This is the most common cause of bloody eye bags.

Liquid retention. This can be observed every month during hormonal changes or during pregnancy.

Incorrect power supply. Try cutting back on salt and sugar and complex carbohydrates. Add fiber to your diet.

Aging. After 40, alas, puffiness under the eyes is a faithful companion. The skin around the eyes becomes thinner and may begin to sag, and wrinkles with fat and fluid form. But this does not mean that you cannot fight it! The main thing is to regularly monitor the skin of the eyelids and do basic care procedures.

Chronic fatigue. The body, being in constant stress, does not remove fluid, but accumulates it on the face, forming bags under the eyes. The way out is to rest more and worry less about trifles.

Allergic reactions. They can rupture the subcutaneous capillaries, causing blood to accumulate under the skin. The result is a metabolic disorder in this area of ​​the dermis and the accumulation of fluid.

Crying and tears. If you were crying the day before, then traces of this are guaranteed to appear in the morning in the form of unpleasant swelling under the eyes. The fact is that salty tears irritate the skin and this causes severe swelling.

Chronic edema. Now this is more serious, because such swelling will not go away after applying patches under the eyes. They can be a symptom of a serious medical condition such as pyelonephritis, mononucleosis, trichinosis, Chagas disease, nephrotic syndrome, heart failure, hypothyroidism, cavernous sinus polyneuropathy.And if the swelling does not go away for a long time, no matter what you do, immediately consult a doctor (at least donate blood and do an ultrasound).

How to remove eye puffiness in the morning:

Massage of the bridge of the nose. Close your eyes and massage the upper area of ​​the nose. Pay special attention to the skin to the right and left of the nose, it is there that often traces of glasses remain. This massage is best combined with eye patches.

Potato juice. Homemade recipes are often the most effective, as in this case – potato juice not only eliminates puffiness under the eyes, but also lightens dark circles under them.You can either attach slices of raw potatoes to your eyelids and leave for 10-15 minutes, or grate the potatoes, put them in cheesecloth and apply such a compress to your eyes for a quarter of an hour.

Cold spoons. Advice to keep spoons in the freezer may seem a little strange, but wait with conclusions. Apply cold spoons to your eyelids until the metal is at room temperature and voila! The swelling disappeared like a hand (and in our case with a spoon). The fact is that cold metal constricts blood vessels and in the shortest possible time reduces redness and removes puffiness in the eye area.

The same goes for ice cubes (or better frozen herbal tea). This is the easiest and most effective way if you are wondering how to remove eye puffiness in the morning. Another life hack – after drinking tea, do not rush to throw away the bag, but instead put it in the freezer. After a stormy evening, he will be like a godsend.

Cream. Not the most obvious way to get rid of bags under the eyes, but very effective. They soothe dry skin, help constrict blood vessels and reduce swelling.All you have to do is pour the cream into a small container, add some ice to it and let the cream cool slightly. After that, soak two cotton pads in the liquid, squeeze them lightly and apply to the eye area. Let the natural patches warm to room temperature, then soak them again in the cream and repeat the procedure. Do this for 10 to 15 minutes.

Chamomile infusion. Repeat the procedure with cotton pads, but moisten them with chamomile infusion.

Cucumbers. Good old record holder in the fight against puffiness under the eyes. It not only eliminates puffiness, but also refreshes the skin well. You can put pieces of cucumber on your eyes for 20 minutes, or you can get confused and grate, putting the gruel in cheesecloth. The second option is said to be more effective.

Let us summarize the above. To forget about the question of how to remove puffiness of the eyes in the morning, eat well enough (you need to pay attention to food with puffiness first of all), sleep at least 8 hours a day (in any case, this is recommended by doctors), drink at least 1 , 5 liters of pure natural water (but an hour and a half before bedtime it is not recommended to drink more than 1/3 of your water norm).

Well, what we did not say above – if problems with puffiness under the eyes appear too often, you should reconsider your lifestyle. Remember that alcohol, smoking and a sedentary lifestyle are most detrimental to the condition of the skin not only around the eyes, but in general, not to mention other obvious problems.