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.

œil rose

œil rose 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 peut aussi 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.

Cette condition se produit 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 peut aussi cause severe swelling in both eyes.

Swelling can be very painful and tender to the touch.

Diagnostic

A variety of factors can cause a swollen eye. These include allergies, diseases, injuries, or any underlying medical condition. 

Le traitement des yeux gonflés dépend des différentes causes de l’inflammation. 

Doctors can prescribe you any treatment only after a proper diagnosis.

Un examen physique

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.

Antécédents médicaux

Les antécédents médicaux comprennent une chirurgie oculaire récente et toute maladie cardiaque, hépatique ou thyroïdienne. 

Vous devez informer votre médecin de vos allergies et de votre exposition à d’éventuels allergènes. 

Tests de laboratoire

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

Le 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:

Gonflement dû à une blessure

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 peut aussi 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.

Gonflement dû aux allergies

If allergies are causing inflammation, the patient peut prendre 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. 

Gonflement dû à un problème médical

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.

Médicament

The doctor may prescribe the following medications for swollen eyes depending on the cause.

Antibiotiques

There are some antibiotic gels available for swollen eyes.

These antibiotics have Azithromycin, Bimatoprost Ophthalmic Solution, and Polysporin as active salt.

These antibiotics aider à killing bacterial infections and easing irritation.

In extreme cases, your doctor may recommend oral antibiotics. 

Some antibiotic eyedrops for swollen eyes are

Médicaments anti-inflammatoires non stéroïdiens (AINS)

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 Collyre Nevanac 5 ml for comfort from swelling and discomfort.

Corticostéroïdes

Corticosteroids may also aider à 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. 

Les médecins peuvent recommander Lotepred Collyre de 5 ml stéroïde pour le traitement des yeux gonflés.

larmes artificielles

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 E/D Eyemist 10 ml eye drop for dry eyes.

It is available in the form of drops as well as an ointment.

Cela aidera à réduire l’inflammation et la sécheresse de vos yeux.

Over-The-Counter (OTC) eyedrops

You can purchase some eye drops without a prescription from a doctor as a treatment for swollen eyes.

Certaines gouttes antihistaminiques disponibles en vente libre sont 

• Bromphéniramine (dimétane)
• Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
• Clémastine (Tavist)

Remèdes naturels

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 tel que 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.

Les yeux gonflés peuvent être efficacement réduits grâce à la compression froide, car elle augmente le flux sanguin.

A cold compress can be done using ice packs available in the market.

Sachets de thé vert

Thé vert spectacles 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.

Rincez-vous les yeux

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.

Évitez les contacts fréquents

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.

Évitez l'alcool

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 peut causer inflammation in the eyes. 

It can also lead to other health issues, such as the risk of a heart attack.

Quand consulter un médecin

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.

Questions fréquemment posées