Swollen eyelids may indicate a number of conditions. Some conditions do not cause serious problems or complications, but some lid swelling could indicate a serious medical problem. Cool or warm compresses often help reduce swelling in a short amount of time. If swelling worsens or persists, however, the person should contact an eye doctor immediately. Knowing the symptoms of swollen lids and what to watch for may help a person determine when to seek treatment.
Appearance
The most obvious symptom of eyelid swelling is the appearance of the lids. The eyelids will often look puffy and they may swell enough to droop down, covering a portion of the eye. A serious condition that causes swelling tissue is orbital cellulitis, an infection of the eyelids and tissue surrounding the eyes. This condition will often cause the eyelids to appear red or purple, and the swelling may cause the lids to appear shiny, explains MedlinePlus. The eyes may appear to bulge since the infection causes swelling in the tissue behind the eye. If cool compresses do not reduce swelling, or if additional symptoms appear such as fever, the person should seek immediate attention from an eye doctor. Orbital cellulitis requires prompt treatment, which includes IV antibiotics to treat the infected tissues.
Vision
Swollen eyelids may cause changes in vision. Any amount of eyelid swelling can distort vision. As in the case of a blocked oil gland in the eyelid, or stye, the swelling of the lid presses against the eyeball, changing the shape of the eye, explains the University of Michigan Kellogg Eye Center. The change in eye shape affects how the person sees and often distorts vision.
Lid swelling may also cause the eyelid to drop down and cover most, or all, of the eye, resulting in a limited field of vision. A stye will often respond to warm compresses, breaking up the blockage and allowing the gland to drain. No matter the cause for the swelling, once the swelling recedes, vision should return to normal.
Comfort
Lid swelling will typically cause the eyelids to feel tight and painful. In the case of orbital cellulitis, the infection may have affected the muscles that control eye movement, says MedlinePlus. This will often cause significant pain with any movement of the eyes. Conjunctivitis, an eye infection also known as "pink eye," also may cause eyelid swelling and discomfort. In either case, as the condition resolves, comfort should improve.
