Have you noticed swelling around your eyes? Do your eyes feel irritated, or does your vision seem off? Learn what could be the cause and how to remedy it by checking out these causes and treatments for swollen eyelids.
Stye
A stye is an infection of a gland in the eyelid. Generally, it looks like a small abscess. Symptoms of styes can affect the rim of the eye, often by the root of an eyelash.
Symptoms include swelling, pain, itchiness, a red bump and some discharge.
Treatment
Styes will typically resolve on their own in one to two weeks, or a doctor can prescribe antibiotics.
Some tips to manage your stye at home include applying a warm compress, avoiding eye products and contact lenses and abstaining from trying to pop them.
Allergies
Having allergies can be another cause of eye irritation or swelling. Allergies can entail swelling, an itching or burning sensation, redness or watery eyes.
Treatment
Ways to manage your symptoms can involve a warm compress, over-the-counter eye drops or seeing an eye doctor for prescription medication and eye drops.
Sleep problems and fatigue
A lack of sleep and fatigue can be the cause of the swelling and “bags under your eyes.” Water retention overnight can also affect your eyelids.
Treatment
In order to reduce puffiness, you can apply a cold compress while sitting upright. To further prevent this, try getting enough sleep, sleeping with your head slightly raised, limiting salt intake and avoiding drinking liquids before sleeping.
Chalazion
Chalazion is the development of a lump in the eyelid. It can resemble a stye, but it is not an infection. A chalazion happens as a result of an oil gland getting clogged.
A person may notice swelling, redness, a hard lump, tenderness and blurry vision.
Treatment
Treatments can entail applying a warm compress three to five times a day, using anti-inflammatory eye drops, or visiting an eye doctor for injections or a minor surgery.
Cosmetics
Another one of the causes and treatments for swollen eyelids we must look at is makeup and skin care products. Cosmetics can cause eye irritation by containing allergens, developing bacteria over time, not being suitable for use around the eye or if you fail to remove them before sleeping.
Treatment
In order to avoid irritation and swelling, try to be more diligent about the products you use. For relief, artificial tears can help soothe discomfort.
Blocked tear duct
A blocked tear duct results in the eye not being able to fully drain tears. This occurs in 20% of newborns and can result from an infection, injury or other causes in adults.
Blocked tear duct symptoms can include inflammation, discharge, crusty eyelashes, blurred vision, a fever or infections.
Treatment
Typically, a blocked duct will open without intervention. If not, a small procedure may be required to restore drainage.
Summary
Now that you know a few of the causes and treatments for swollen eyelids, have you been able to resolve your issue? If not, make an appointment at your local Mississippi Eye Care.
And in the meantime, continue reading our blogs to learn more about your eyes.
