Remedies for Swollen Eyelid: Safe and Effective Solutions
There could be various reasons behind swollen eyelids; These include allergies, illness, injury, and even crying.
As the treatment varies for each case, it is essential to know the reason behind the symptom.
Severe cases of swollen eyes might result from an underlying condition.
In that case, it should be addressed by an eye specialist.
However, mild cases of swollen eyes may benefit from home remedies.
Those include tea bags, cool compresses, and many other treatments.
Continue reading to learn about the remedies for swollen eyes at home.
This may help you relieve your symptoms before calling the doctor.
Home remedies for swollen eyelids
Your doctor might prescribe some home remedies to reduce the swelling of your eyelids. A few of those are mentioned below.
Try a cool compress
You can get relief from soothing, irritated skin and eye inflammation by using a cold compress.
To get the most benefit, place a damp, cool washcloth over your eyes for 20 to 30 minutes.
You can also place an ice pack. But make sure to add a cloth buffer (such as a towel) between the ice pack and the eyes.
This will help you avoid getting in direct contact with the skin.
Cold Spoons
You can also use cold spoons to soothe swollen eyes.
Place two spoons in the freezer until it gets cold.
Now hold them over your swollen eyes like you would have done with an ice pack or cloth.
You can then apply a small amount of pressure with the spoons.
This can help you build fluid away from the eyes and stimulate blood flow.
Also Read: Treatment along with home remedies works more effectively. To learn the best treatment options, read our guide “Swollen Eyelid Treatment: A Complete Guide to Relief“.
Use tea bags
The tannins and caffeine content in the tea bags can help reduce eye inflammation.
For add-on benefits, some green tea varieties also include an anti-inflammatory compound called epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG).
To enhance the effectiveness of these tea bags, steep the tea and let the bags cool.
You can place it in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes before applying it to the eyes.
Then leave the cool bags on your eyes for a minimum of 30 minutes.
Over-the-counter medication
Pain relievers, as well as allergy medications that are available over the counter, may help with managing inflammation and pain.
Depending on the reason behind the swelling, one may provide better relief than the other.
If the swollen eyes are caused due to seasonal allergies or allergic reactions, antihistamines such as,
- Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
- Loratadine (Claritin), and
- Cetirizine (Zyrtec) might provide aid
However, if some injury is the reason behind the swollen eyes, ibuprofen (Advil) may help bring down inflammation and swelling.
Take a break from cosmetics
Facial cleansers and cosmetics that come close to the eyes could be the reason behind swelling and irritation.
In case you notice any problems, stop using your current cleansing or makeup routine. Wait till the swelling clears up.
If you took a break from using these products and it helped reduce your condition, replace them with hypoallergenic ones.
Apart from cleansers and makeup, hair products like gels and sprays could also irritate.
Change your diet
Excess sugar intake might cause inflammation throughout the body, including the eyes.
Try to limit your sugar intake, and you will probably notice a difference in eyes that constantly appear swollen.
Make sure to stay hydrated (though subjective, at least eight glasses); it is also essential for your eye health.
You can also cut your alcohol and caffeine intake, as these can cause dehydration.
Use eye drops
Lubricated eye drops help soothe the discomfort and redness of swollen eyes.
As mentioned above, there are various over-the-counter eye drops available.
But make sure to avoid drops claiming to be with whitening or anti-red properties. These can make conditions worse.
If the swelling and redness get severe, your eye specialist will prescribe specific eye drops.
However, make sure to use the products wisely. Follow the specialist’s instructions.
Also Read: If you want to know more about medicines for swollen eyelids, read our article “Medicine for Swollen Eyelids: A Comprehensive Guide“.
When to see a doctor
If swollen eyes persist despite treatment at home or suddenly appear without an explanation, immediately contact your eye specialist and explain the condition.
Swollen eyes might worsen your infection or conditions if not treated properly.
In some cases, swollen eyes may require different treatments and can indicate a more significant issue.
Preventing swollen eyes at home
It might be critical to avoid triggers if you frequently suffer from swollen eyes.
Remember to take allergy medications on time and do not overdose.
Avoid irritants such as pet dander, dust, pollen, particular eye makeup, and chlorine from swimming pools.
These can restrict the problem of swollen eyes before it begins.
If you are into sports, consider wearing protective eyewear to prevent eye injuries.
For the overall health of your eyes and further safety measures, consult an eye doctor once a year.
Annual eye exams and evaluations help prevent swollen eyes.
Conclusion
Based on the cause, swollen eyelids may take a few days to several weeks to heal.
If allergies are the reason, prefer staying indoors. If you get swollen eyelids due to crying, try washing your face before bed.
Some people might need to seek immediate medical help so that they can get accurate remedies for swollen eyelids.
Always consult a doctor if swelling or bump does not improve after a week or so.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some home remedies for swollen eyelids?
Some of the home remedies for swollen eyelids are cold compresses, tea bags, cold spoons, changes in diet, eye drops, over-the-counter medicines, etc.
Why is my top eyelid swollen?
Swollen eyelids may result from an inflammatory response to injury, infection, or allergies. The swelling can happen to one or both eyes and may result due to age, lack of sleep, or general water retention.
Can a swollen eyelid go away overnight?
Adequate remedies for swollen eyelids might go away on their own within a day or so. Consult your doctor if it does not get better within 24-48 hours.
What medicine helps a swollen eyelid?
You can use antihistamine eye drops if your swollen eyes are due to allergies. You may also need prescribed eye drops for severe allergic reactions. Oral antihistamines can also help treat swollen eyes.
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