Swollen eyes can be due to something as simple as crying or as complex as conjunctivits, a viral or bacterial illness. According to Dr. Burt Dubow, some common eye disorders that can lead to swelling, include eye allergies, broken blood vessels and eye trauma. Acting quickly when you notice your eyes beginning to swell may help keep the swelling from getting worse. If your eye swells due to a traumatic injury such as being hit in the face or head, you should go to the doctor right away.
Step 1
Determine the cause of the swelling to decide on the best course of treatment. If your eyes have been irritated and you have been rubbing them, look for redness and broken blood vessels in the whites. If you have conjunctivitis, or pink eye, you will also have discharge, stinging, itching or watering. Another common cause of swelling is a sty, an inflamed sebaceous gland on the eyelid.
Step 2
Take an antihistamine or use allergy eyedrops if you have other allergy symptoms such as sneezing or a stuffy nose. Avoid the temptation to rub your eyes, even if they itch. Wash your face and splash it with cool water to wash away pollen or other allergens that may be contributing to the swelling.
Step 3
Make a cold compress out of sterile gauze or cotton pads dipped in ice water. Apply the compresses to closed eyes and lie back for a few minutes. According to EyeCareSource.com, warm compresses also help to relieve swelling, so if this seems more comfortable to you, run hot water over a washcloth and use it instead.
Step 4
Keep your head elevated on a stack of pillows, and keep your eyes closed as much as possible. The combination of elevation and rest can help the swelling go down.
Step 5
See a physician if swelling persists or if you have more serious symptoms such as severe headache or "floaters," spots of light or darkness that move when you move your eyes. Floaters may be nothing serious, but they may also be signs of vitreous or retinal detachment.
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