Most of us will experience swollen eyelids sometime in our lives. Swollen eyelids typically cause a bit of anxiety as the cause is in some cases unknown and individuals around us can see it.
A swollen eyelid takes place when there is inflammation or excess fluid (edema) in the connective tissues surrounding the eye. Swollen eyes can be painful and non-painful, and impact both the upper and lower eyelids.
There countless causes of a swollen eye, consisting of eye infections, eye injuries or injury, and, a lot of frequently, allergies.
Swelling of the eyelids can be a sign of a more serious, possibly sight-threatening health problem, such as orbital cellulitis, Graves’ disease and ocular herpes.
Nevertheless, you ought to constantly consult your eye doctor or family doctor to rule out more serious health issue related to swollen eyelids.
Symptoms of Swollen Eyes
Swelling of the eyelids is a symptom of an underlying cause, such as allergic reaction or infection. Swollen eyes normally are accompanied by several of the following:
- Eye irritation, such as an itchy or scratchy sensation.
- Excess tear production, resulting in watering eyes.
- Blocked vision (depending upon the level of the swelling).
- Inflammation of the eyelid.
- Red eyes and inflammation of the conjunctiva.
- Eye discharge, or “mattering”.
- Eyelid dryness or flaking.
- Pain, particularly when swollen eyelids are caused by infection.
Eye Allergies
The most common cause of eyelid swelling is eye allergies. Eye allergic reactions in some cases cause considerable discomfort, frequently interrupting daily activities with irritating symptoms such as eyelid irritation and swelling. Eye allergic reactions develop when the body immune system overreacts to a particular allergen.
When exposed to the irritant, cells in the eyes launch histamines and other chemicals in an effort to secure the eyes, causing capillary inside the eyes to swell, and the eyes to end up being itchy, red and watery. Prescription medications are extremely efficient in relieving symptoms. Antihistamines frequently reduce eyelid swelling caused by allergic reactions rather rapidly.
Eye Styes and Chalazion
A stye is caused by an inflammation and bacterial infection of the oil producing glands in the eyelid. Styes are sometimes itchy and tender to the touch. Styes normally appear as a reddish bump on the eyelid.
When a stye first establishes, the eye might feel bruised and might feel sensitive to light. A chalazion develops when one of these glands ends up being obstructed. The gland turns into a hard swelling and may result in soreness and swelling of the eyelid.
Pink Eye
Pink eye or conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the conjunctiva. The conjunctiva is a clear mucus membrane that lines the within the eyelid and covers the white part of the eye. Conjunctivitis is typically caused by allergic reactions, bacteria or viruses. Patients might get up to find one or both eyes stuck together with mucus when they get up in the early morning. The eyelids may become swollen, and the eyes may end up being red, itchy and irritated.
Cellulitis
Cellulitis is a more serious cause of eyelid swelling. There are two primary types of cellulitis that optometrist issue with when a patient comes in with eyelid swelling: preceptal cellulitis and orbital cellulitis.
Preceptal cellulitis is generally caused by a bacterial infection. Patients typically have soreness and pain in addition to swelling. It usually takes place in one eye. Orbital cellulitis can likewise be caused by bacteria through a sinus infection that attacks the area around the bones that make up the eye socket. Individuals with orbital cellulitis may have a bulging eye and pain when moving their eyes back and forth.
Graves’ Disease
People with Graves’ disease or other thyroid problems frequently struggle with eyelid swelling. Graves’ disease can cause proptosis or bulging of the eyes. Although it can affect one eye more, it generally impacts both eyes. In some cases Graves’ disease can cause decreased eye motions or double vision. Hypothyroidism can also cause both eyes to be rather swollen or puffy.
Herpes Infection
Eye herpes is an inflammation of the cornea, the clear dome that covers the front part of your eye. Eye herpes (likewise called ocular herpes) can produce painful sores on the eyelid or eye surface and cause inflammation of the cornea along with eyelid swelling. Symptoms of eye herpes typically mimic those connected with conjunctivitis. While a mild amount of facial swelling is regular when we awaken in the early morning, severe eyelid swelling is not.
Health Tips
A lot of causes of swollen eyelids are not serious. It’s important that you visit your optometrist for a comprehensive eye exam if your symptoms persist, get worse or change.
