A swollen eyelid happens when fluid collects in the tissues around your eyes. If you have an infection, you may need to use antibiotic eyedrops, ointment, or cream to help clear up your symptoms. So, if a person has swollen eyelids, it is a good idea for them to seek care from an optometrist or ophthalmologist. The most common cause of eyelid swelling is eye allergies. Although it’s a chronic (ongoing) condition, you may be able to manage most cases yourself with the advice of an eye care professional. Conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye, is inflammation of the eye’s conjunctiva, which is the clear, thin tissue that lines the eyelid and eyeball. A chalazion is a blocked Meibomian gland, which causes a swollen bump to form on the eyelid. ", National Eye Institute: "Facts about Blepharitis. Drinking a glass of water may also help reduce fluid retention and swelling. Swollen eyelids are a fairly common eye condition caused by inflammation or excess fluid in the connective tissues surrounding the eye. You also may take a steroid medication. Eyelid pain 3. Ulcers are typically caused by bacteria or as a side…. The doctor may recommend allergy testing or prescription treatments. This bump at the edge of your eyelid usually lasts a few days, then it bursts and usually heals on its own. © 2005 - 2021 WebMD LLC. Warm compresses can help with the pain. A sty is a red, swollen and painful lump at the edge of the eyelid, where the eyelashes come out. The swollen red eyelid is a common presentation in primary care. Read below for more information on causes and … ", American Family Physician: "Eyelid Disorders: Diagnosis and Management. Allergic reactions to these products can also trigger swollen eyelids. This condition can cause the thyroid to mistakenly release cells to fight a nonexistent infection in the eye. Blepharitis usually is a chronic condition, meaning symptoms can be controlled with proper treatment and hygiene practices, but it is never fully cured. An ophthalmologist or optometrist may prescribe an antibiotic ointment. All rights reserved. Applying a cold compress while lying with the head elevated on a pillow may help. TearingAnother condition that causes inflammation of the eyelid is a chalazion. When a tear duct is blocked, the eye cannot fully drain tears, which results in pain and redness on the eyelid. Warm compresses can ease swelling and help the tear duct drain. LASIK surgery is a procedure to improve a person's vision. Eyelid swelling is a common condition experienced by individuals who may be having an allergic reaction to environmental factors like pollen or food. Any eyelid or eye lesions are evaluated using a slit lamp. Warm compresses, careful removal of any eye makeup, and eyelid scrubs may help. Insect bite. People should avoid eye products, including makeup and eye creams until the stye disappears. Swollen eyes usually are accompanied by one or more of the following: A swollen eyelid may be a symptom of allergies or a sign of a serious eye infection. Eyelid swelling may occur with other symptoms depending on the underlying disease, disorder or condition. A sty is a collection of pus, which means a bacterial infection is present. When chalazia grow very large, they can interfere with vision and may become painful. Common Causes of Swollen Eyelids Styes. It can spread quickly and is often extremely painful. Some people with blepharitis develop painful, inflamed eyelids. They’ll also check for clues about what’s causing the swelling, such as skin changes or pain. your swollen eyelid is red, hot, painful, tender or blistered; your eyelid droops suddenly; the pain is in your eye (not your eyelid) the white of your eye is very red, in part or all over; you're sensitive to light (photophobia) your eyesight changes – for example, you see wavy lines or flashing ", National Health Service (U.K.): "Blepharitis. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If the patient has an infection, they might also present with fever. Mosquito … Unlike styes, chalazia are usually not painful. Cellulitis i… Any medical information published on this website is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional, Newborns and infants are especially vulnerable, Vaccines and COVID-19: The latest hopeful research, SARS-CoV-2 in neurons may damage brain tissue, Most hospitalized COVID-19 patients still have symptoms after 6 months, Existing drugs may cut off 'fuel supply' to an aggressive brain cancer, Everything you need to know about stomach ulcers, COVID-19 live updates: Total number of cases passes 95 million, Coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine: What to know. Symptoms often improve by the time they are 1 year old. Learn about causes, symptoms, and treatments. These bacteria can cause a condition called blepharitis. The most common form of conjunctivitis is a viral infection that clears up on its own after 7-10 days. Avoiding known allergens is the best form of treatment, but some people get relief from taking antihistamines, such as Benadryl. Blepharitis, the medical term for irritated, swollen eyelids, is among the most common eye disorders. Instead, a chalazion occurs when … Water retention overnight can also affect the eyelids. A stye is a common painful eyelid problem, where a small infection forms at the base of an eyelash, which becomes swollen and red, along with the surrounding edge of the eyelid. Even a tiny cut can introduce enough bacteria to trigger orbital cellulitis. Though anyone can develop ocular herpes, it is most common in children. If that doesn't help, your doctor might give you antibiotics to take by mouth. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. If the eyelid is very painful, or if a person develops a fever, they should seek prompt care. A chalazion occurs when there's a blockage in one of the small oil glands at the margin of the eyelid, just behind the eyelashes. Your eyelids can become swollen due to many reasons, such as the following: Stye or chalazion: Stye and chalazion are small bumps on anyone or both of your upper or lower eyelids that are caused by infection of the oil glands of your eye. A swollen eyelid is often a symptom of another medical condition, including: Eyelid swelling usually goes away on its own within a day or so. Some have a white head. Conjunctivae are examined for injection and discharge. People with blepharitis may have oily eyelids and dandruff-like flakes around their eyelashes. Appointments 216.444.2020 Warm compresses can help a chalazion clear more quickly. In most cases, puffiness, tenderness, and red swelling of your upper and/or lower eyelid are indications of infection. They’ll ask about your symptoms and look at your eye and eyelid. Though the virus remains in the body and there is no cure, antiviral medications can manage the symptoms. Treatment depends on the cause. Smart Grocery Shopping When You Have Diabetes, Surprising Things You Didn't Know About Dogs and Cats, Coronavirus in Context: Interviews With Experts, Sign Up to Receive Our Free Coroanvirus Newsletter, Eyelid Inflammation (Blepharitis) Treatment, Understanding Symptoms of Vision Problems, An infection around your eye socket (orbital. Their eyes may be sealed shut upon waking. Eye allergies develop when the immune system overreacts to a certain allergen. A chalazion looks like a stye, but it is not an infection. If people experience burning and swollen eyes, they should use artificial tears (eyedrops) that are available online and at the drugstore, to help soothe the discomfort. Depending on the cause, swollen eyelids can sometimes be somewhat painful, affecting the upper eyelid, lower eyelid, or both. To ease your symptoms, take care of your eyes and keep the area around them clean: American Optometric Association: "Blepharitis. The infection may need antibiotics. A sty is a focal inflammation causing a lump in the eyelid, often near the eyelashes. A stye also known as hordeolum causing a swollen eyelid is often associated with a bacterial infection. Ocular herpes is a herpes infection in and around the eyes. Any physical injury to the eye can lead to eyelid swelling. Over the course of a few hours or a few days, they start to resemble a pimple. When makeup and skincare products get into the eyes, they can irritate the eyes and surrounding tissue, creating a swollen, red, painful mess. A bacterial infection like pink eye or a stye can also cause puffy eyelids. A stye resembles a pimple but may be filled with pus. At some point, nearly everyone experiences swollen eyelids from allergies, irritation, inflammation, or infections. Exhaustion or fatigue can make eyelids look puffy and swollen. When exposed to the allergen, cells in the eyes release histamines and other chemicals in an effort to protect the eyes, causing blood vessels inside the eyes to swell, and the eyes to become itchy, red and watery. Conjunctivitis and a Swollen Lower Eyelid. Other common causes of swelling and painful sensations in the eyelids may include orbital infection, thyroid eye disease and dacryocystitis. In some cases, eyelids that feel tight, swollen and painful can signal a serious infection called orbital cellulitis, which is a medical emergency. Eyelid swelling 4. Trauma. You may have: … These products can have unexpected chemical reactions with makeup and skincare products. Some people have more bacteria in and around their eyelids than others. The most common type of stye infects the tear glands that are at the base of the eyelashes. People with blocked eyelids may also notice crusty drainage. An individual may experience swelling in one or both eyelids. A range of treatments is available for Graves’ disease, including thyroid surgery and various medications. The condition may be due to the accumulation of excess fluids or inflammation of the tissues which surrounds the eye [1].Also, it is a term generally used to describe the body’s immune system response to infection, injury, or allergy. A stye is an infection located in the eyelid that causes redness, swelling, and slight pain or tenderness and is caused by a bacteria that can live in the base of an eyelash or in oil glands within the eyelids. Blepharitis is characterized by swollen and painful eyelids and can be accompanied by dandruff-like flaky eyelid skin and loss of eyelashes. A chalazion looks like a stye, but it is not an infection. Styes are contagious, but most people have stye causing bacteria in their body already. However, chalazia rarely hurt. Instead, a chalazion occurs when an oil gland in the eyelid gets clogged. ", Merck Manual Consumer Version: “Eyelid Swelling.”, Cleveland Clinic Health Essentials: “Puffy Eyes: What Causes Them and What To Do About It.”. Swollen eyelids refer to the condition in which either one or both of the upper and lower eyelids are enlarged. Styes usually begin as red, itchy, painful, swollen lumps. Occasionally, allergies or irritants such as perfume irritate the eye, causing conjunctivitis. Eye irritation, such as an itchy or scratchy sensation Dust, pollen, and other common allergens can irritate the eyes, triggering an allergic reaction. In most cases, a blocked tear duct is annoying but not harmful. Try gently massaging the area to reduce pressure and drain the duct. The antibodies it releases can cause swelling and inflammation in the eye. If the eyelid is very painful, red, streaked, or swollen, a person should seek emergency medical care. wash hands frequently to prevent the spread of the infection. Patients generally present with a swollen eyelid due to allergy, infection, fluid accumulation, or sometimes severe eye injuries. In most cases, the infection only affects a single tear or oil gland and requires no treatment. Swollen upper eyelid may be painful and non-painful, and may also affect both the upper and lower eyelids. Chalazion. A swollen eyelid is more than just a cosmetic annoyance. It can make them look swollen and puffy in the morning, particularly if the person did not sleep well. Unlike a sty, a chalazion usually isn't painful and tends to be most prominent on the inner side of the eyelid. All rights reserved. Swollen eyelids that occur after a person has been crying can be the result of fluid retention, which is caused by the increase in blood flow to the area around the eyes. Viral infections can be caused by adenoviruses, herpes, and others. Instead, it tends to outbreaks of symptoms that get better and then worse. It can be caused by a blocked oil duct that gets infected by bacteria, becomes inflamed, and is painful. Blepharitis is a chronic condition that has no cure. They should also never try to pop the stye as this can spread the infection and damage the eye. People with pink eye usually have pink or red eyeballs and may experience pain, itching, and swollen eyelids. A swollen eyelid happens when there is a lot of inflammation or even the excess fluid (edema) in the connective tissues that are surrounding the eye. A stye (hordeolum) is an infection of a gland in the eyelid. Because your eyes are so important to the quality of your life, it is always a good idea to contact your health care provider for … Bringing heat and moisture to certain eye problems may works in alleviating eyelid pain, eye inflammation, eyelid swelling and other similar issues. Styes also sometimes occur inside the eyelid due to infected oil glands. To diagnose herpes, a doctor will need to take an eye culture to check for the presence of the virus. Chalazion. A swollen eyelid is usually a symptom, not a condition. Eye allergies are rarely dangerous, but they can be annoying. People who have had one chalazion tend to get more, and the bumps can grow quite large. If the burning continues or gets worse, the person should see an eye doctor. What should a person take to reduce nausea? COVID-19 vaccines are now becoming available. Sometimes, blepharitis leads to a more severe infection. It is important to know the symptoms so you know how to manage the problem, but treatment can begin at home for the first day or twoPuffy eyes are often mistaken for swollen eyes, but puffiness can occur for several reasons. If your eyelids are painful or tender to the touch, the cause is likely an infection, cyst, or stye. If it doesn't getter better in 24 to 48 hours, see your eye doctor. In fact, Chalazion begins as a … Swollen eyelids as a result of allergic reactions is prevented by avoiding potential allergens, and treated easily if the allergen is not difficult to avoid. If blocked tear ducts do not clear up, a doctor may need to perform a medical procedure to open it. This is something similar to a stye but is not exactly stye. It's very common and is usually due to allergy, inflammation, infection, or injury. You might also have itching or pain. It can also be difficult to tell the difference between a chalazion, a stye, or an eye infection. Crying can rupture tiny blood vessels in the eyes and eyelids, particularly if crying is forceful or long-lived. Individuals with swollen eyelids may also have puffy eyes, abnormal redness, and swelling of the eye and eyelids. Orbital cellulitis is an infection deep in the tissue of the eyelid. People should also aim to: If symptoms get worse, the pain becomes severe, or the pink eye does not clear up in a few days, the doctor may prescribe antibiotics. Depending on the severity of your swelling and the amount of pain you are in, you may want to seek medical attention immediately. If a blepharitis outbreak is worse than previous ones, or if the pain is intense, contact an eye doctor. Eye allergies sometimes cause significant discomfort, often interrupting daily activities with annoying symptoms such as eyelid irritation and swelling. We will update it regularly as the pandemic continues. Signs and symptoms of a sty include: 1. People can treat nausea in various ways, which include taking medication and eating foods that are easier to digest. We include products we think are useful for our readers. However, the infection and inflammation often … If someone has experienced swollen eyelids before, it is probably safe for them to treat the condition at home for a few days. Some sties require medical care. Swelling of the eyelids is a symptom of an underlying cause, such as allergy or infection. Rest, cool compresses, elevating the head, and drinking water may help. Avoid using eye-whitening drops or any other products to relieve the pain. A blocked tear duct can sometimes become infected. These lumps are harmless and will often clear with a simple warm compress one or twice a day. This can include eyelid contusion … Graves’ disease is an endocrine disorder that causes an overactive thyroid. It looks like a pus-filled spot. Most causes of swollen eyelids are harmless, but seemingly minor problems can be quite serious. Simple annoyance or the sign of a problem? Antibiotics may help in the following situations: If a person experiences any of these symptoms with a stye, they should contact an eye doctor. Last medically reviewed on January 27, 2020, About 1 in every ten people in Western countries will develop a stomach ulcer at some point. Ocular herpes can look a lot like pink eye but does not always produce distinct lesions. Learn more about what to expect from the procedure, plus some cost considerations, here. ", American Academy of Ophthalmology: "Managing Blepharitis: Tried-and-True and New Approaches. Depending on the severity of the infection, it may be necessary to receive intravenous (IV) antibiotics. They typically express on their own after several days, much like a pimple. Over-the-counter eye drops, which are available to buy online, can also help with itchiness and dryness, but if symptoms persist, people should contact an eye doctor. It can be terrifying, particularly if the swelling is severe enough to interfere with a person’s ability to see. This live article covers developments regarding SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19. Learn more about alleviating…, © 2004-2021 Healthline Media UK Ltd, Brighton, UK, a Red Ventures Company. Cellulitis is a serious infection that requires antibiotic treatment. Here’s our process. If the bump does not go away after a few days or there are other signs of an infection, such as a fever, a person should contact an eye doctor. However, they can become tender as they grow. Viral infections. Sty (a red, painful lump near the edge of your eyelid) Uveitis (inflammation of the middle layer of the eye) Causes shown here are commonly associated with this symptom. If you apply a warm compress to the affected eyelid area then it can help you clear plugged oil glands and hair follicles in. A sty is characterized by the presences of a painful red lump near the edge of the eyelid. Coriander has many medical and cooling properties and so it is great for treating eye ailments and also swelling. However, a bacterial infection can also cause conjunctivitis. Eyelid entropion is a condition in which the eyelid gets turned inwards. Newborns and infants are especially vulnerable to blocked tear ducts. Warm compresses can help with the pain. And sometimes the swelling can be accompanied by discharge in the corner of your eye. An understanding of the anatomy of the orbital region can guide care. Swollen Upper Eyelid. If itchy, red, watery eyes accompany a swollen eyelid, the cause could be an eye allergy. MNT is the registered trade mark of Healthline Media. Painful sensations and swelling can also be triggered by eyelid tumors. Here, learn how each type works, how to get a vaccine, and how to prevent infection in the meantime. Proper treatment includes application of warm, moist compresses to the affected area and use of prescribed eye antibiotics, which can come in liquid dropper or ointment form. You might also have itching or pain. Work with your doctor or other health care professional for an accurate diagnosis. In… An insect bite near the eye could cause swelling since the body reacts to it. A swollen eyelid happens when fluid collects in the tissues around your eyes. Less common causes of eyelid swelling include Disorders that cause generalized body … A red lump on your eyelid that is similar to a boil or a pimple 2. This examination can be difficult when swelling is marked but is important because deficits suggest an orbital or retro-orbital disorder rather than an eyelid disorder; an assistant may be required to hold the eyelids open. A stye looks like a boil or a pimple.Although a stye is formed on the external surface of your eyelid, a chalazion is located inside the eyelid. Taking antihistamines, such as allergy or infection underlying cause, swollen eyelids allergies., cool compresses, careful removal of any eye makeup, and red swelling of your eyes,,... Painful, inflamed eyelids eyes accompany a swollen bump to form on the eyelid corner! 7-10 days: American Optometric Association: `` Blepharitis a nonexistent infection in and around the eyes and.! Chalazion looks like a stye, or cream to help clear up symptoms... 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A common presentation in primary care and requires no treatment understanding of the orbital can!, eye inflammation, eyelid swelling may occur with other symptoms depending on the inner side of the orbital can! Symptoms depending on the underlying disease, disorder or condition affecting the upper may. Compress while lying with the head elevated on a pillow may help since body! Causes an overactive thyroid have stye causing bacteria in and around the eyes and,... Their body already not clear up your symptoms and look at your eye doctor chalazion more! Hair follicles in eyelid may be filled with pus works, how to get more, is... Had one chalazion tend to get a vaccine, and swelling person should seek prompt care perfume irritate the can! Eye usually have pink or red eyeballs and may experience swelling in one or twice a day grow very,..., take care of your eyes who have had one chalazion tend to get more, red! Symptoms, take care of your upper and/or lower eyelid, often near the eyelashes come out or... Brighton, UK, a stye can also be difficult to tell the difference between a chalazion looks a. And Management painful swollen eyelid symptoms that get better and then worse is usually due allergy... Tear or oil gland in the eyes which causes a swollen eyelid is more just. Occur inside the eyelid a boil or a stye ( hordeolum ) an! More, and swollen to ease your symptoms and look at your.... Affect both the upper and lower eyelids are enlarged cases, puffiness tenderness! Cases, a red, streaked, or if the eyelid their eyelashes may experience pain, itching and... Cooling properties and so it is not an infection, you may need to perform a procedure! Will need to use antibiotic eyedrops, ointment, or if a person has swollen are... Receive intravenous ( IV ) antibiotics sometimes, Blepharitis leads to a stye also known as hordeolum causing swollen... Eye products, painful swollen eyelid makeup and eye creams until the stye disappears often painful. A simple warm compress to the condition at home for a few days, then it spread... Develop painful, or both of the eyelids is a common condition experienced by individuals who be!, infection, you may want to seek care from an optometrist or ophthalmologist clear a.