A Complete Guide to Swollen Eyelids: Causes, Treatment, Prevention, and Relief 

Swollen eyelids can be a bothersome and uncomfortable condition that affects people of all ages.  It can happen to one or both of the eyelids.

Swollen or puffy eyelids can be due to many reasons, like fluid buildup or inflammation in the connective tissues surrounding the eyes.

There are various treatment methods available for this condition. 

These problems generally do not require long-term treatment, but they might be severe in some cases.

In this article, we will provide you with a complete overview of swollen eyelids with all possible underlying causes and effective management of the condition.

Continue reading, as we will also cover the natural remedies and prevention steps you can take to get relief from puffy eyelids. 

Understanding swollen eyelids

Swollen eyelid refers to the enlargement of the eyelid area, which makes it look puffy.

Whether it’s a mild puffiness or severe swelling, it can lead to various concerns like eye allergies, infection, and discomfort.

Swelling can occur in either the upper eyelid, the lower eyelid, or both eyelids.

Swollen eyelids can present with a range of visual characteristics.

The skin around the eyelid can become red, irritated, and sensitive to touch.

Depending on the underlying cause, additional symptoms like itching, burning, or discharge may also be present.

What causes a swollen eyelid

There are various causes of swollen eyelids. A few of them are mentioned here:

Stye

A stye, also known as a Hordeolum, is an infection of an oil gland  at the edge of the eyelid. It involves the lower or upper eyelid.

It can be very similar to a small abscess. 

An abscess is an accumulation of pus that can develop in any part of your body.

Common signs of a stye include pain, swelling, the presence of a red bump, and a feeling of scratchiness due to discharge.

Chalazion

A Chalazion is a condition that causes the formation of a lump in the eyelid.

It is not an infection but occurs when an oil gland in the eyelid gets blocked.

The blockage leads to the accumulation of oil behind it.

It mostly occurs in the upper eyelid. You can also develop this condition in both eyes at once.

Symptoms include a hard lump, redness, swelling, blurry vision, and tenderness.

Individuals with Rosacea and Blepharitis may have a higher risk of developing chalazia.

Also Read: Confused between Stye and Chalazion? Read our article, “Comparing Chalazion vs Stye: Understanding Eyelid Bumps and Irritations“, and clear your doubts.

Allergies

An allergic reaction to pet dander, dust, pollen, or other common allergens can lead to swelling and irritation of the eyes. 

Common symptoms of allergies include swelling, redness, sneezing, watery eyes, itching, and burning sensations. 

These symptoms are typically a result of the body’s immune response to allergens. 

Eye allergies may differ in severity depending on the individual and the specific allergen.

Water retention

Fluid retention, also called Edema, occurs when your body is unable to remove fluid from your body.

It can cause puffiness under the eyes.

Fluid retention can be an indicator of some severe health conditions like heart failure, kidney or liver disease, and 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 and swelling in the eye.

Ocular herpes simplex is one such infection that can lead to numerous eye conditions and symptoms.

This may include irritation, redness in the eye, inflammation, loss of sensation in the cornea, ulcers of the cornea, and other forms of eye infections such as Conjunctivitis.

Blepharitis

Blepharitis is a medical condition characterized by inflammation of the eyelid margins. 

It can be caused by viral or bacterial infections or exposure to allergens.

While some individuals may experience it occasionally, others may have to manage it for the long term.

Blepharitis can affect the eyelids in various ways. It includes:

• Itching
• Burning
• Crusting
• Blurred vision
• Inflammation
• Loss of eyelashes
• Ulceration

Ulceration is the formation of an open sore or break in the skin.

Proper management and treatment, as advised by a healthcare professional, are important to alleviate symptoms and prevent complications associated with blepharitis.

Pink eye

Pink eye is also known as Conjunctivitis, which is an inflammation of the conjunctiva.

This generally happens due to bacterial or viral infection.

A person who has pink eye might notice,

• Pain
• Itching
• Discharge
• Swollen eyelids
• A pink or red eyeball

Eczema

Atopic dermatitis, a type of Eczema, can develop in your eyelids and lead to itchy, red, and swollen eyes.

Other symptoms may include dryness, flaking, and irritation of the eyelid skin. 

If you suspect that Eczema is causing your swollen eyelid, it is advisable to consult a dermatologist for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate management.

Blocked tear duct

A blocked tear duct occurs when the drainage system responsible for carrying tears from the eyes to the nose gets blocked. 

It can lead to excessive tearing, recurrent eye infections, and swelling or inflammation around the tear duct area. 

Infants are often affected by congenital (present from birth) blocked tear ducts, which resolve on their own within the first year of life. 

In adults, blockage can be caused by various factors, such as inflammation, infection, trauma, or age-related changes. 

Graves’ eye disease

Graves’ disease is an autoimmune condition that affects the thyroid gland and can cause eye-related symptoms. 

Common symptoms of Graves’ disease include:

• Bulging eyes or swelling around the eyes
• Eye redness and irritation
• Double vision or difficulty coordinating eye movements
• Sensitivity to light
• Eye pain or pressure

Baby swollen eyelid

After birth, it is common for babies to have swollen eyelids. 

This condition is known as Eyelid Edema. 

Most infants experience some level of Eyelid Edema after birth.

The swelling can make it appear like the infant has trouble opening one or both eyes.

However, a gentle examination can easily evaluate the eye despite the puffiness.

Over the first few days of life, the Edema naturally resolves on its own.

If you have any concerns about your baby’s eye health, it’s always best to consult a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and guidance.

Diagnosis of a swollen eyelid

A doctor performs specific tests and procedures that are used to diagnose a swollen eye.

An eye specialist may use a magnifying instrument to examine your eyes and eyelids, looking for any signs of infection, inflammation, or other abnormalities.

In some cases, your doctor may collect samples of oil or fluid from your eyelid. 

These samples can be analyzed in a laboratory to check for the presence of fungi, bacteria, or signs of an allergic reaction.

These diagnostic measures help your healthcare provider determine the underlying cause of your swollen eye and develop an appropriate treatment plan.

Treatment of Swollen eyelid

There are various treatment options for swollen eyelids in the form of eye drops, ointments, medicines, and antibiotics.

Here, we have mentioned a few of them in detail:

Eye drops

Eye drops can be used as a treatment for a swollen eyelid, depending on the underlying cause.

Your doctor may recommend vasoconstrictive eye drops in case of blurry vision or swollen and dry eye.

Sodium chloride eye drops are used for treating puffy and swelling of the eye cornea. 

Antibiotics

The use of antibiotics for eyelid swelling depends on the underlying cause of the swelling.

If the swelling is due to a bacterial infection, antibiotics may be prescribed to help treat the infection and reduce inflammation. 

Commonly prescribed antibiotics for eyelid infections include topical ointments or eye drops containing antibiotics such as Polymyxin B or Trimethoprim.

Antibiotics like Ciprofloxacin are used to treat corneal ulcers of the eye.

It’s important to note that antibiotics should only be used when prescribed by a healthcare professional. 

They will evaluate your symptoms, examine the affected area, and determine if antibiotics are necessary.

Over-the-counter Antihistamines

Over-the-counter (OTC) medications can be useful in providing relief for swollen eyes in certain cases.

If the swelling is due to an allergic reaction, taking oral antihistamines can help alleviate symptoms, including swelling.

Antihistamines like Benadryl are helpful in treating eye allergies.

There are some other suitable antihistamines that include Cetirizine, Loratadine, and Fexofenadine.

However, it’s essential to keep in mind that these medications may not be effective for all causes of eyelid swelling. 

Artificial tears

Lubricating eye drops, also known as artificial tears, can help relieve irritation and dryness of eyes which can contribute to swollen eyelids.

It is essential to note that artificial tears are generally safe to use, but they may not directly target the underlying cause of the swollen eyelid.

If the swelling persists, it is recommended to consult with a doctor for further treatment. 

Also Read: Want to learn in-depth about these medications? Read our article, “Medicine for Swollen Eyelids: A Comprehensive Guide“.

Natural remedies for swollen eyelids

There are a few natural remedies for reducing swollen eyelids that you can do easily at home.

Wash your eyes

Washing your eyes gently with water can often effectively treat a swollen eyelid.

It can help remove any irritants or debris if present in the eye.

However, if the swelling persists or worsens, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional for further evaluation and appropriate treatment.

Cool compress

To soothe irritated skin and reduce eye inflammation, use a cold compress.

Take a washcloth, soak in cold water, and place it gently over your eyes.

Leave the washcloth on your eyes for about 20 to 30 minutes.

If you prefer using an ice pack, wrap it in a cloth, like a towel, before placing it on your eyes.

The cloth between the ice pack and your skin will prevent direct contact.

Tea bags

Using a tea bag as a natural remedy can be a simple and effective way to reduce swelling in the eyelid.

Choose the right tea, like chamomile or green tea, as they have soothing properties.

Brew a cup of tea using the tea bag. Ensure the tea bag is fully immersed in the hot water to extract the beneficial properties.

After this, remove the tea bag and allow it to cool comfortably.

Now, gently place the cooled tea bag in the affected area for about 10 to 15 minutes.

This will help in alleviating the swelling in the eyelid and provides comfort.

Reduce the use of cosmetics

Cosmetics and face cleansers that come into direct contact with the eyes might cause swelling and irritation.

If you have any eye-related issues, it is essential to stop using your usual skincare or cosmetics routine and give your swelling time to go down.

Consider switching to allergic-free substitutes for cosmetic products once the swelling is gone.

Cold spoons

Cold spoons can also be used to reduce eye swelling. 

Put two spoons in the freezer and wait until they are cold. 

Hold them over your swollen eyes like holding an ice pack or piece of cloth over them. 

The spoons can be used to apply a little amount of pressure.

This can encourage blood flow and helps you keep fluid away from the eyes. 

Change in diet

Intake of too much sugar may result in inflammation of the eyes and other parts of the body.

If you reduce sugar intake, your eyes may seem less puffy.

Keep yourself hydrated throughout the day, which is essential for your eye health. 

You can also reduce the caffeine and alcohol intake to prevent dehydration.

Preventive Ways

You can take some preventive measures to reduce the occurrence of swollen eyes and promote the safety of your eyes.

Avoid Triggers

Limit your exposure to allergens or triggers by staying indoors, especially when environmental factors worsen your symptoms.

Some of the common triggers to avoid are pet dander, dust, pollen, certain eye makeup chemicals, and chlorine from swimming pools.

Take Allergy Medications

If the reason behind your swollen eyelid is an allergy, then do take the prescribed allergy medicine.

Make sure to intake as directed and avoid overdosing.

This can help manage allergic reactions and prevent swollen eyes.

Protective Eyewear

You should consider wearing sunglasses before going out so that dust won’t enter your eyes.

If you participate in sports or activities that have a risk of eye injuries, wear protective eyewear to prevent swelling.

Regular Eye Exams

Schedule annual eye exams with an eye doctor. 

These exams can help identify any underlying issues, provide preventive measures, and maintain overall eye health.

Also Read: To know when should you schedule your eye appointments, read our article, “The Eye Care Checklist: How Often Should You Get an Eye Exam?“

When to see a doctor

The swelling of the eyelid can damage the eyes. It should be taken seriously by individuals. 

If pain and swelling do not reduce on their own, immediately consult your Optometrist. 

Depending on the nature and cause of the problem, your healthcare provider may suggest different medications and eye drops. 

See a doctor if you experience a swollen eyelid and: 

• The swelling worsens or does not improve with self-care measures
• The swelling is accompanied by redness or vision changes
• The swelling is accompanied by other concerning symptoms like fever, discharge, or difficulty moving the eye 
• You have a history of allergies or previous eye infections

Conclusion

Swollen eyelid is a common eye condition that can cause red, itchy, and puffy eyes.

It can result from various causes, including infections, allergies, fluid retention, and underlying medical conditions.

Treatment options such as eye drops, antibioti