Why is My Eyelid Swollen? A Look at the Possible Causes
Puffy or swollen eyelids are quite common eye conditions.
This condition is mainly caused due to excess fluid or inflammation in the connective tissues.
These tissues surround the eyes and may result in swelling.
In most cases, the swelling goes away within 24 hours.
You can use natural remedies to reduce the swelling.
However, the treatment will mostly depend on its cause.
The causes can range from fluid retention to severe infection.
Causes of swollen eyes
There could be several causes of swollen eyes. A few of those are mentioned below.
Stye
A stye (hordeolum) is an infection caused by a gland in the eyelid.
It can be compared to a small abscess.
Symptoms may affect the root of an eyelash and the rim of the eye.
A person might notice pain, swelling, a red bump, scratchiness, or crustiness due to discharge.
Chalazion
A chalazion results in the formation of a lump in the eyelid.
It might seem like a stye, but it is an infection.
A chalazion results when an oil gland in the eyelid gets clogged.
This leads to the accumulation of oil behind the blockage.
You might also feel the presence of a hard lump and might also notice
- Redness
- Swelling
- Blurry vision
- Tenderness
A person may also experience more than one chalazion, called chalazia.
These bumps can grow big and usually get resolved on their own within a few days or weeks.
People suffering from Rosacea and Blepharitis may be more prone to chalazia.
Allergies
An allergic reaction to pollen, dust or other common allergens can cause swelling and irritation to the eye.
Some common allergy symptoms include,
- Swelling
- Redness
- Sneezing
- Watery eyes
- Itching and Burning
Fluid retention
Peripheral edema or fluid retention occurs when your body cannot remove fluid from the hands, feet, eyelids, and other parts of the body.
When the fluid gets collected around the eyes, it may lead to several health conditions,
- Heart failure
- Lymphedema
- Thyroid problems
- Kidney or Liver disease
- Obstructive sleep apnea
If you are concerned about fluid retention in the eyelids, immediately seek medical advice.
Ocular herpes
Several types of herpes viruses can cause infections in the eye.
Ocular herpes simplex can lead to numerous eye infections with many symptoms.
This may include,
- Irritation and Redness
- Inflammation of the cornea
- Loss of sensation in the cornea
- Ulcers of the cornea and conjunctiva
Immediately consult a doctor if symptoms persist.
Blepharitis
Blepharitis is a medical condition resulting from inflammation of the eyelid margins.
It could result from a viral or bacterial infection or exposure to an allergen.
Some people might experience it once in a lifetime, while others might have to deal with long-term effects.
Blepharitis can affect the eyelids in the following ways,
- Itching
- Burning
- Crusting
- Blurred vision
- Inflammation
- Loss of eyelashes
- Ulceration, in some cases
Pink eye
Conjunctivitis is also known as pink eye, which is an inflammation of the conjunctiva.
It is a clear thin tissue that lines the eyeball and eyelid.
Possible causes of pink eye include,
- Exposure to toxins or irritants
- An allergic or sensitivity reaction
- A fungal, viral, or bacterial infection
A person might also notice,
- Pain
- Itching
- Discharge
- Swollen eyelids
- A pink or red eyeball
Blocked tear duct
If the tear ducts are blocked, you cannot fully drain the tears.
20% of newborns have a blocked tear duct, says the American Academy of Ophthalmology. But, it gets resolved in 4–6 months.
In the case of adults, it may result due to a tumor, injury, infection, or any other cause.
Some symptoms include,
- A fever
- Discharge
- blurred vision
- crusty eyelashes
- frequent infections
- traces of blood in tears
Graves’ disease
Graves’ disease is an autoimmune disorder. It is a disorder of the thyroid gland.
It can impact the eyes, skin, and other organs. Some symptoms of this Graves’ disease include,
- Eye pain
- Double vision
- Swollen eyelids
- Eyelid retraction
- Redness in the conjunctiva
Conclusion
Swollen eyelids might be caused due to several reasons.
A few of the potential causes of swollen eyes include allergies, fluid retention, pink eye, Blepharitis, etc.
If you witness mild symptoms, take preventive measures and consult your doctor.
Remember, swollen eyelids are treatable but you need to be careful.
Introduce lifestyle changes, if required to get rid of this condition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did I wake up with a swollen eyelid?
The most common reason behind swollen eyelids is fluid retention. The thin skin around the eyelid can prominently cause fluid retention, resulting in puffy eyes.
Why is my eyelid sore and swollen?
A swollen eyelid is not a condition but a symptom. It is standard and occurs due to infection, allergy, injury, or inflammation. The thickness of the eyelid skin is 1mm. Since the tissue is loose and stretchy, your eyelid is capable of swelling.
Why is my eyelid swollen and hurts when I blink?
The inflammation might result from a bacterial or viral infection, which can be contagious. A stye arises in the eyelid, which can be painful.
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