A swollen eyelid is a dramatic symptom that typically causes alarm. Injuries, infections, allergies and malfunctions of the eyelid structures can cause a swollen eyelid. While most causes of a swollen eyelid pose no significant threat to vision or overall health, caution is always warranted in dealing with eye disorders.
Eyelid Contusion
An eyelid contusion, more commonly known as a black eye, is a bruise of the eyelid and surrounding tissues. Blunt trauma to the eye typically precipitates this injury, which characteristically causes marked swelling and pain. Fractures of the bones around the eye, or a blowout fracture, and injuries to the structures within the eye may accompany an eyelid contusion.
Conjunctivitis
Conjunctivitis, an inflammation of the surface of the eye and inner eyelids, is a common cause of eyelid swelling. The University of Maryland Medical Center reports that viruses are the most frequent cause of conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye. Bacteria, eye allergies and environmental irritants can also cause conjunctivitis. In addition to eyelid swelling, symptoms commonly include excessive tearing, eye discharge and redness, light sensitivity and a gritty sensation in the affected eye. Treatment of conjunctivitis depends on the underlying cause.
Sty
A sty is an inflamed swelling that develops at the rim of the eyelid. The lesion represents a pocket of infection in an oil gland or hair follicle. A sty, or hordeolum, may cause well-defined or generalized eyelid swelling. Tenderness, pain, light sensitivity and a scratching sensation typically occur. Although sties usually occur singly, two lesions may occasionally present in the same eye. Warm compresses encourage sty drainage, which leads to resolution of the infection. Staphylococcal bacteria are the most frequent cause of sties, according to MayoClinic.com.
Chalazion
A blocked oil gland in the eyelid can cause a firm swollen lump termed a chalazion. A chalazion often begins similarly to a sty. Over the course of several days, however, the swelling hardens and gradually grows. A large chalazion may cause visual disturbance due to pressure on the eye surface from the growth. Warm compresses often lead to resolution of a chalazion over a period of weeks to months. Steroid injections into the lesion or surgery may be required for a large or rapidly expanding chalazion.
Periorbital Cellulitis
Periorbital cellulitis, also known as preseptal cellulitis, is a bacterial infection of the soft tissue surrounding the eye. Characteristic symptoms include swelling, warmth and redness of the eyelids and surrounding eye tissue. The University of Maryland Medical Center reports that periorbital cellulitis most commonly affects children younger than age 6. Oral or intravenous antibiotic therapy is the primary treatment for this condition.
