Eyelid swelling occurs when there is inflammation or excess fluid (edema) in the connective tissues surrounding your eye. Treatment will depend on the underlying cause and may include antihistamines for allergies, antibiotics for infections, or simply applying a cold compress for minor injuries.
For swollen eyelids’ diagnosis and treatment, visit us at Doral Health and Wellness Ophthalmology. We have the best eye doctor in Brooklyn. Contact us at Doral Health and Wellness Ophthalmology to schedule an appointment.
Swollen eyelids can be caused by a range of underlying health issues, each presenting with its own set of symptoms and requiring specific treatments. Here are what you need to know about some of the primary causes of swollen eyelids:
Allergies
- Symptoms – Itching, redness, tearing, and swelling.
- Common Triggers – Pollen, dust mites, pet dander, mold, certain foods, and cosmetics.
- Treatment – Antihistamines, avoiding allergens, and using cold compresses.
Infections
- Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)
- Symptoms – Redness, swelling, discharge/tearing, and irritation.
- Causes – Bacterial or viral infections.
- Treatment – Antibiotic or antiviral eye drops, depending on the cause.
- Blepharitis
- Symptoms – Red, swollen eyelids, crusting at the base of your eyelashes.
- Causes – Bacterial infection or skin conditions like dandruff or rosacea.
- Treatment – Regular eyelid cleaning, antibiotic ointments or drops.
- Orbital Cellulitis
- Symptoms – Severe swelling, pain, fever, and impaired eye movement.
- Causes – Bacterial infection that spreads from your sinuses.
- Treatment – Immediate medical attention, antibiotics, and possibly hospitalization.
Inflammatory Conditions
- Symptoms – Chronic redness, swelling, irritation.
- Common Conditions – Dermatitis, rosacea.
- Treatment – Steroid creams, oral antibiotics, or other anti-inflammatory medications.
Injuries
- Symptoms – Pain, bruising, swelling.
- Causes – Physical trauma such as a blow to your eye.
- Treatment – Cold compresses, pain relief medication, and in some cases, medical intervention.
Systemic Conditions
- Graves’ Disease
- Symptoms – Protruding eyes, swelling, discomfort, double vision.
- Causes – Autoimmune disorder affecting your thyroid gland.
- Treatment – Managing thyroid levels, steroids, or surgery in severe cases.
- Kidney or Heart Failure
- Symptoms – Generalized swelling (edema), including your eyelids.
- Causes – Fluid retention due to poor kidney or heart function.
- Treatment – Diuretics, managing the underlying heart or kidney condition.
Styes and Chalazions
- Styes
- Symptoms – Painful, red lump on the edge of your eyelid.
- Causes – Bacterial infection of an oil gland.
- Treatment – Warm compresses, or sometimes antibiotics.
- Chalazions
- Symptoms – Painless lump within the eyelid.
- Causes – Blockage of an oil gland.
- Treatment – Warm compresses, steroid injections, or surgical removal if persistent.
Sinusitis
- Symptoms – Facial pain, pressure, nasal congestion, swelling around your eyes.
- Causes – Inflammation or infection of the sinuses.
- Treatment – Decongestants, antibiotics if bacterial, and saline nasal rinses.
Eye Surgery or Procedures
- Symptoms – Swelling, bruising, discomfort post-procedure.
- Causes – Surgical intervention or cosmetic procedures.
- Treatment – Following post-operative care instructions, cold compresses, and pain relief as prescribed by a doctor.
Each of these conditions has specific diagnostic criteria and treatment protocols. Consulting with your medical provider for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan is important, especially if the swelling is accompanied by pain, vision changes, or other concerning symptoms.
At Doral Health and Wellness Ophthalmology, our eye care doctors can do an evaluation to check the extent of your swollen eyelids. To schedule an appointment, please call us at 1-718-367-2555 or visit us at 1797 Pitkin Avenue, Brooklyn, New York 11212. You can also visit our website at https://doralhw.org/specialties/ophthalmology/.
