Swollen Eyes: What Are the Reasons Behind It?

Swollen Eyes

Swollen eyes happen when inflammation and extra fluid (edema) build up in the tissues around the eye. Swelling can affect the upper eyelid, the lower eyelid or both.

It is often a nuisance more than a danger, but it can be painful. Some causes, such as an infection spreading behind the eye, need urgent care.

Causes of swollen eyes

Some of the common causes of swollen eyes are:

Allergy
Eye or eyelid infection
Injuries

Swollen Eyes

Swelling often comes with other symptoms, such as:

itchy eyes (irritation in eyes)
photophobia (light sensitivity)
excess tearing
blurry vision
redness of the eyelid
red eyes and swelling of the conjunctiva
discharge from the eye
dry, flaky or crusty eyelids
pain, especially with an infection

Swollen Eyes

1. Allergies

Allergies are a common reason for swollen, itchy, watery eyes. Triggers include pollen, dust, pet dander, smoke and some cosmetics or eye products.

Allergic swelling happens when the immune system overreacts to a harmless substance. Avoiding the trigger and using treatments your doctor or pharmacist recommends can help.

2. Eye infection

Eye and eyelid infections can cause swelling, and some can spread from one eye to the other. Avoid touching or rubbing your eyes, and see your doctor for diagnosis and treatment.

Stye: A stye is a small, red, painful bump caused by a bacterial infection in an oil gland of the eyelid. It can cause redness and swelling of the eyelid.

Chalazion: A chalazion is a lump caused by a blocked oil gland in the eyelid. It is usually painless and may form after a stye.

Blepharitis: This condition makes the eyelids red, itchy or burning and can cause crusty eyelashes. It is often linked to bacteria or skin conditions like rosacea.

Graves' disease: Like other Thyroid Eye Diseases, Graves' eye disease is linked to an autoimmune thyroid condition. It can cause swollen eyelids and bulging, irritated eyes.

You can further read it in detail: Graves Eye Disease causes, symptoms, treatment, Prognosis

Orbital cellulitis: This is a serious bacterial infection of the tissues around the eye. In children, it often starts as a sinus infection. It causes painful swelling of the eyelid and surrounding skin, often with fever.

MedlinePlus calls orbital cellulitis a medical emergency that needs treatment right away. Get care quickly for eyelid swelling with fever, trouble moving the eye or vision changes.

3. Injuries

A scratch or a blow to the eye area can cause bruising and swelling. Cold compresses may ease mild swelling from a minor bump.

See a doctor for any eye injury that affects your vision, causes severe pain, or involves a chemical or an object in the eye.

Conclusion

Most swollen eyes from allergies or a stye improve with simple care, such as warm compresses for a stye and avoiding allergy triggers. Keeping your eyelids clean can help prevent irritation and infection.

See a doctor if swelling does not improve within a few days, keeps coming back, or comes with fever, pain or vision changes.