Understanding Swollen Eyes: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Swollen eye, also known as Periorbital Edema, is a common condition. It affects people of all ages.
It occurs when excess fluid is collected in the tissues around the eye.
Various factors, including allergies, injuries, and underlying medical conditions, can cause swollen eyes.
The swelling may sometimes include other symptoms, such as redness, itching, or blurred vision.
It is essential to be aware of the potential causes and seek medical attention if necessary.
At the same time, most cases of swollen eyes are not severe and can be treated with self-care measures.
In this article, we will know the common causes of the swollen eye, how to prevent them, and the various treatment options available.
Causes of Swollen Eye
Various diseases may cause swelling in the eyes.
Some of the conditions which cause inflammation are as follows:
Allergies
The body’s reaction to different food, chemicals, or other allergens can cause allergies.
Allergies can be treated using anti-allergen medicine and can reduce swollen eyes.
Pink eye
Pink eye is also known as Conjunctivitis. It is a common infection during weather changes and flu season.
Viruses, bacteria, irritants, or some other allergens generally cause swelling.
Inflammation of the eyelids and eye is one of the symptoms of pink eye.
Chalazion
Blockage of oil glands can cause Chalazion.
It is harmless and can be seen as a small pimple on the eyelid, which causes swollen eyes.
Stye
The infection in the eyelash follicle or tear gland is known as Stye.
They appear as tender red bumps at the edge of your eyelids, leading to swelling.
Eye Cancer
Eye cancer can also sometimes cause swelling of the eye. It also leads to blurry vision and loss of vision.
You can also see some spots slowly moving in your field of vision.
Graves Disease
It is an immune disorder resulting in the overproduction of thyroid hormones.
One of the leading symptoms of this disease is inflammation of the eyes.
You can reduce the swelling by treating Graves disease.
Orbital Cellulitis
Infection of the soft tissues of the eye socket behind the orbital septum (thin tissue between the eyelid and the eye socket) is known as Orbital Cellulitis.
This condition occurs more often in children. It can lead to painful inflammation and redness of your eye.
Injuries
A sudden impact on the eye can lead to compression and retraction of the tissues.
It causes blood to collect under the damaged area.
This can cause discoloration and swelling of your eye.
Causes of the swollen eye in children
Children keep playing in the open gardens or parks, where they are prone to pollens and insect bites.
These can be a reason for swollen eyes in children.
Insect bite
Swelling of one eye can be because of an insect bite.
A mosquito bite is one of the common causes.
Insect bites on the face’s upper part mainly cause eye swelling.
Pollens
Swelling in both eyes can be due to pollen in the air.
Pollens float with the air and can travel long distances.
Itching in the eyes due to pollen can also worsen the swelling.
Food allergy
Swelling of the face can be due to allergic reactions caused by different food items or medicines.
Medicinal allergy
Allergic reactions from antibiotic eyedrops can also cause severe swelling in both eyes.
Swelling can be very painful and tender to the touch.
Diagnosis
A variety of factors can cause a swollen eye. These include allergies, diseases, injuries, or any underlying medical condition.
The swollen eye treatment depends on the different causes of inflammation.
Doctors can prescribe you any treatment only after a proper diagnosis.
A physical examination
A doctor will examine the eye and eyelid externally. Eye inspection consists of checking the location and color of the swelling.
It also includes checking whether both eyes are swollen or not.
Medical history
Past medical history includes recent eye surgery and any heart, liver, or thyroid disease.
You should tell your doctor about your allergies and exposure to possible allergens.
Lab tests
Imaging lab tests include Retinal photography to learn more about any diseases in the eye.
Imaging tests are rapid and painless.
Treatment for various causes
The treatment for swollen eyes depends on the underlying disease causing swollen eyes.
Injury, infection, allergies, or a medical condition such as sinusitis or thyroid disease are common causes of this condition.
Some of the treatments depending on the cause are as follows:
Swelling due to injury
If an injury causes your swollen eye, using a cold compress on the swollen part can reduce swelling.
Medications that are available over the counter can also reduce pain and swelling.
Ibuprofen, aspirin, and Naproxen can also reduce swelling and relieve pain.
Swelling due to infections
Blepharitis, Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye), Shingles, and Stye can also cause swelling in the eye.
Doctors may prescribe you antibiotic drops or ointment to help you with swelling.
Your doctor may recommend Natamet 0.05 for swollen eyes due to infections.
Swelling due to allergies
If allergies are causing inflammation, the patient can take antihistamine medicines to reduce symptoms.
It is also essential to avoid any known allergens if possible.
Some of the anti-allergic medicines are Diphenhydramine, Cetirizine, or Loratadine.
Swelling due to medical condition
Suppose the eye is swollen due to a medical condition.
In that case, treatment will depend on the specific condition and may include medication or other treatments.
If the swelling continues or is accompanied by other symptoms like severe pain, vision changes, or discharge.
In that case, you must contact your doctor as soon as possible.
Medication
The doctor may prescribe the following medications for swollen eyes depending on the cause.
Antibiotics
There are some antibiotic gels available for swollen eyes.
These antibiotics have Azithromycin, Bimatoprost Ophthalmic Solution, and Polysporin as active salt.
These antibiotics help in killing bacterial infections and easing irritation.
In extreme cases, your doctor may recommend oral antibiotics.
Some antibiotic eyedrops for swollen eyes are
| Medicine Name | Price (approx) |
|---|---|
| Actavis Bimatoprost 300 mcg | $9.83 |
| Azithral Eye Drops 0.1% (3ml) | $15.50 |
Non-Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
NSAIDs help to reduce problems that can occur as a side effect of some eye surgeries.
These medicines are used after eye surgery to relieve the side effects of surgery, such as edema (excessive fluid in the eye) or swelling.
Your doctor may recommend Nevanac Eye Drop 5ml for comfort from swelling and discomfort.
Corticosteroids
Corticosteroids may also help in reducing inflammation in the eyes.
These medicines work by suppressing the functioning of the immune system of the body.
Corticosteroids prevent the production of brain prostaglandins (a chemical messenger) which helps in inflammation or swelling.
Doctors may recommend Lotepred Eye drop of 5 ml steroid for swollen eye treatment.
Artificial Tears
Artificial Tears help in treating irritation if you have dry eyes.
Artificial tears medicines contain Glycerine with polysorbates and other ingredients.
The doctor may recommend an Eyemist E/D 10ml eye drop for dry eyes.
It is available in the form of drops as well as an ointment.
It will help in reducing inflammation and dryness of your eyes.
Over-The-Counter (OTC) eyedrops
You can purchase some eye drops without a prescription from a doctor as a treatment for swollen eyes.
Some antihistamine drops which are available over the counter are
- Brompheniramine (Dimetane)
- Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
- Clemastine (Tavist)
Natural remedies
Home therapies can also help in getting rid of swollen eyes.
The treatment method depends on the reason for the inflammation of your eye.
Intense cases of swollen eyes can only be treated after a complete diagnosis by an eye specialist.
However, home remedies such as cold compresses, green tea bags, etc., can treat minor cases of swollen eyes.
Cold compress
Cold compression may help reduce swollen eyes. It numbs the affected area and helps in relaxing the eyes.
Swollen eyes can effectively reduce using cold compression as it increases the blood flow.
A cold compress can be done using ice packs available in the market.
Green tea bags
Green tea shows antibiotic and antioxidant properties.
It helps to control problems such as burning sensation, swelling, and irritation.
You can use cold tea bags on both eyes for 10 to 15 minutes. Repeat this process 2-4 times a day to see results.
Rinse your eyes
Washing your eyes and applying compression after washing can help significantly lower inflammation.
Rinsing with saline water may also help to eliminate any eye infection.
Avoid frequent touching
You must avoid rubbing and excessively touching your eyes if they are swollen.
Do not wear lenses and any makeup if you feel irritation.
Avoid going into direct sunlight and get enough sleep.
Preventing swollen eyes
There are many ways to help prevent swollen eyes.
Some basic preventions are drinking more water and reducing salt intake.
More prevention tips are:
Get enough sleep
Take good sleep at regular intervals can help reduce the puffiness of the eyes.
It is necessary to keep a good sleep schedule and stick to it.
On average, an adult needs around 7 to 9 hours of sleep.
Avoid alcohol
Drinking alcohol can reduce the water level in the body and cause dehydration.
It results in swelling of the eye or eyelids.
Avoid such drinks and alcohol, which can cause swelling.
Reducing salt intake
Too much sodium in your diet can cause excess fluid absorption in the eye and body.
Increased fluid retention can cause inflammation in the eyes.
It can also lead to other health issues, such as the risk of a heart attack.
When to visit a doctor
Eyes generally swell when an excessive amount of fluid gathers near the eye.
The swelling can occur in the upper as well as lower eyelid.
You must contact your doctor if it doesn’t get better within 24 to 48 hours.
Your doctor may ask you about the symptoms and suggest some eye exams.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a swollen eye can be because of various factors. These may include allergies, infections, injuries, and underlying medical conditions.
Depending on the cause of the swelling, the doctor may recommend different treatments.
Home remedies such as applying a cold compress, getting good sleep, and staying hydrated can also reduce swelling.
However, you may require medical attention in some cases. Especially if the swelling is severe, accompanied by pain, or affects vision.
Faster medical attention can help identify the underlying cause of the swelling and ensure proper treatment is given.
Taking good care of your eyes and avoiding irritants and allergens can help prevent and manage swollen eyes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my under-eye swollen?
Swollen under the eyes can be caused when muscles that support your eyelids and tissue structures weaken. Even the space under your eyes can collect excessive fluid and makes the eye look swollen.
Why is my eye red and swollen?
Your eye may appear red and swollen if the blood vessels present under the eye become larger and get inflamed. It can be caused due to some allergies from pollen or irritants.
Will a swollen eye go away on its own?
The swollen eye generally goes away within 20 to 30 hours. If it still doesn’t get better, contact your doctor as soon as possible. They might check the underlying disease causing the swelling.