What causes swollen eyes? How can you treat swollen eyelids? Get the facts about different conditions that lead to puffy eyes and the best ways to reduce swelling.

Understanding the Causes of Swollen Eyes

Swollen eyelids can have a variety of underlying causes, ranging from allergies and fluid retention to more serious infections and medical conditions. Some of the common reasons your eyelid may be swollen include:

• Allergies: Allergic reactions can cause the eyelids to swell, often affecting both eyes.
• Bug bites: Insect bites or stings near the eye can lead to localized swelling.
• Fluid retention: Excess fluid buildup, often due to hormonal changes or underlying health issues, can result in puffy eyelids.
• Pink eye (conjunctivitis): Bacterial, viral, or allergic infections of the eye’s surface can cause swelling, redness, and discharge.
• Chalazion (stye): A blocked oil gland in the eyelid can lead to a tender, swollen bump.
• Periorbital or orbital cellulitis: Skin infections around the eye can cause redness, pain, and swelling.
• Trauma or injury: Physical damage to the eye area can result in swelling, often accompanied by discoloration.
• Lack of sleep: Fatigue can contribute to fluid buildup and puffiness around the eyes.
• Medical conditions: Certain health issues, such as Graves’ disease or eye cancer, can cause swollen eyelids in some cases.

Treating Swollen Eyelids at Home

If your swollen eyelids are caused by non-infectious conditions like allergies or fluid retention, there are several home remedies you can try to find relief:

1. Use a saline solution: Gently rinse your eyes with a saline solution to help clear away any discharge or crusty buildup.
2. Apply a cool compress: Place a cold washcloth or chilled black tea bags over your eyes to help reduce swelling.
3. Remove contact lenses: If you wear contacts, take them out to prevent further irritation.
4. Elevate your head: Sleeping with your head slightly elevated can help decrease fluid retention and puffiness.
5. Try antihistamines: If allergies are the culprit, over-the-counter antihistamines can help alleviate swelling and other allergy symptoms.

Treating Swollen Eyelids Caused by Infection

If your swollen eyelid is accompanied by pain, tenderness, or signs of infection, it’s important to seek medical attention. Conditions like pink eye (conjunctivitis) and chalazion (stye) may require prescription treatment:

Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis)

Pink eye is an inflammation of the eye’s surface caused by a bacterial, viral, or allergic infection. It can start in one eye and spread to the other. Symptoms include visible pus or a sticky coating on the eyelashes and in the corners of the eyes.

Treatment for pink eye may involve warm water cleaning, avoiding eye cosmetics and contact lenses, and in some cases, prescription eye drops or ointments.

Chalazion (Stye)

A chalazion, or stye, is a tender, swollen bump on the eyelid caused by a blocked oil gland. It may become red and inflamed over time.

To treat a chalazion, use warm compresses several times a day to help unblock the gland and promote drainage. Prescription eye drops or ointments may also be recommended, and in some cases, a doctor may need to perform a minor procedure to drain the blocked gland.

Seeking Medical Treatment for Swollen Eyelids

If your swollen eyelids do not improve within a few days or the swelling is worsening, it’s important to see a healthcare provider. Certain conditions, such as periorbital or orbital cellulitis (skin infections around the eye), may require prompt medical attention and antibiotics.

You should also seek immediate medical care if your swollen eyelids are accompanied by any of the following symptoms:

• Pain in the eye
• Blurry or distorted vision
• Vision loss or worsening vision
• Floaters in your vision
• Feeling that something is stuck in your eye
• Inability to move your eye normally

Preventing and Managing Swollen Eyelids

To help prevent and manage swollen eyelids, consider the following tips:

• Avoid touching or rubbing your eyes, which can worsen swelling and spread infections.
• Keep your pillowcases clean and change them regularly if you have eye-related conditions.
• Limit your use of eye makeup and contact lenses if you have an eye infection or irritation.
• Stay indoors as much as possible if your swollen eyelids are due to allergies.
• Wash your face gently before bed if your eyelids are swollen from crying.

Remember, prompt medical attention is important if your swollen eyelids do not improve within a few days or if you experience any concerning symptoms. Your healthcare provider can help determine the underlying cause and recommend the most appropriate treatment plan.

When to Seek Emergency Care

Certain conditions that cause swollen eyelids may require immediate medical attention. You should seek emergency care if your swollen eyelids are accompanied by:

• High fever
• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Shaking
• Confusion
• Changes in vision or double vision
• Inability to move your eye normally

These symptoms may indicate a serious infection or other underlying condition that requires prompt treatment to prevent complications.