Swollen eyelids often feel painful, causing the surface of the eye to feel irritated as well. Many people also experience changes in vision as a result of the swollen lids pressing against the eye. Swelling may appear for a number of reasons, and some of these causes will likely require a visit to an eye doctor for proper treatment.
Compresses
Many people try using compresses on the eyelids before a visit to the doctor. Warm or cool compresses may ease swelling caused by an eye infection, such as “pink eye,” says the University of Maryland Medical Center. Run a washcloth under cool or warm water and wring dry. Gently place the cloth across the affected eye. A person must take care not to use the same compress for both eyes if only one eye has the condition. Eye infections like pink eye, can easily pass infection from one eye to the other. Compresses may help swollen lids from many types of eye conditions, though this may only treat the symptom, not the cause of an eye condition. If swelling does not improve with the use of compresses, or if other, accompanying symptoms do not improve, a person should contact an eye doctor for an evaluation.
Medication
Some conditions that cause swollen eyelids may require the use of medication. Eye allergies commonly cause some eyelid swelling. Over-the-counter eye drops for allergies may reduce swelling and inflammation. An eye doctor may need to prescribe an allergy eye drop if over-the-counter drops do not offer relief. As well, an oral antihistamine or other allergy medication will often reduce eyelid swelling. Eyelid swelling may also result from an infection of the tissues in the eyelid or surrounding area, a condition called orbital cellulitis, says MedlinePlus. In such cases, a person will require antibiotic treatment to help resolve the infection and reduce swelling. For many people with the condition, a doctor will order the antibiotics intravenously, through a vein. This may require a stay in the hospital.
Surgical Procedures
If eyelid swelling appears to stem from a specific location, a person may require different treatment options. A person may have a noticeable bump on the surface of the skin or just below the surface. The bump may cause the surrounding area to swell. Redness and irritation may occur as well. However, some bumps may not feel painful or cause significant swelling, except in the localized area of the bump. A common cause of an eyelid bump occurs when a gland in the eyelid becomes blocked. The blocked gland forms a bump under the surface skin of the eyelid, a condition called a chalazion. The bumps often resolve on their own, though, on occasion, the chalazion may require an in-office procedure to drain the gland, says the University of Maryland Medical Center. Other bumps that cause swelling, such as eyelid tumors, may require surgical removal.
Member Comments