Lower eyelids can swell because of many diseases and conditions of the eye, along with many system-wide illnesses and conditions. Eyelid puffiness or inflammation can be a symptom of a minor irritation or a disease that potentially threatens eyesight. Because of the unique equipment used for diagnosing eye problems, most causes of eyelid symptoms require the expertise of an ophthalmologist.
Blepharitis
Blepharitis is a non-contagious condition caused by a bacterial infection or by a skin condition, such as acne rosacea or dandruff. The two types of blepharitis are anterior, which occurs where the eyelashes attach, and posterior, which affects the inner edge of the eyelid. Symptoms include inflammation or swelling of the eyelids and itchy, irritated eyelids with a crust on the eyelashes, reports the American Optometric Association.
Treatment options include measures to keep the eyelids clean, such as warm compresses, gently scrubbing the eyes with a diluted mixture of baby shampoo and water, massaging the eyelid glands to unblock accumulated oil, and using artificial tear solutions to keep the eyes and eyelids lubricated.
Conjunctivitis
Conjunctivitis, an inflammation of the membrane inside the eyelids, causes symptoms that include swollen eyelids, itching, crusting, redness, tearing and sensitivity to light. The most common causes of conjunctivitis, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, are viruses. Other causes include allergies, contact lens irritation, chemicals and eye injury.
Treatment options include antibiotic eyedrops for bacterial conjunctivitis, antihistamine eyedrops to reduce swelling from allergic conjunctivitis and comfort measures such as artificial tears and the application of cool compresses for viral conjunctivitis.
Chalazion
Approximately 100 tiny oil glands line the base of the eyelashes, reports MedlinePlus, and blockage of any oil gland near the eyelashes can cause the development of a chalazion, which is a small bump in the eyelid. A chalazion can disappear with no treatment.
Comfort measures and treatment options include the application of a warm compress for 10 to 15 minutes about four times a day to help soften the blockage and a steroid injection to reduce the swelling of the eyelid. For a chalazion that continues to swell, surgery may be required for removal.
Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction
The nasolacrimal duct carries tear drainage from the inside corners of the upper and lower eyelids into the nose. Blockage of the nasolacrimal duct causes the eyelids to swell and sometimes stick together from the overflow on the surface of the eye. Nasolacrimal duct obstruction affects over 5 percent of infants, with more than 90 percent spontaneously resolving within the first year, according to the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus.
Treatment options for nasolacrimal duct obstruction that doesn't resolve on its own include tear duct massage, tear duct probing or tear duct dilation. If there is a discharge that indicates the presence of an infection, antibiotic eye drops or ointment may be prescribed for use in conjunction with the treatment to open the tear duct.
