1. Infection of the Eyelid
Eyelid inflammation usually occurs when the follicles at the edge of the eyelid that your eyelashes grow from become infected. An infected follicle causes the rest of the eyelid to become inflamed, red and sore. Dirt and smog in the air, eye infections and even daily contact lens wear can all contribute to the risk of eyelid inflammation.
2. Leave the Contacts at Home
If you wear contacts on a daily basis, switch back to your glasses for a week or two to let the eyelid inflammation clear up. Even if your contacts aren't the culprit, they can still irritate the inflamed area every time you blink. Some medications your doctor may prescribe to help clear up the inflammation can damage your contacts, too. The best thing to do is just wear your glasses until the eyelid is no longer inflamed.
3. Soothe Irritation With Heat
Hot compresses are one of the best ways to relieve the pain and irritation of an inflamed eyelid while helping it heal faster. Moisten a clean washcloth with water that's as hot as you can stand it. Close your eyes and place the hot compress over the inflamed eye for ten minutes. Make sure you cover the entire inflamed eyelid with the washcloth. The steam from the compress will open the pores of your eyelid, releasing dirt and irritants and reducing inflammation. The heat and steam will also relieve the discomfort you're feeling.
4. Use Antibiotics
If a doctor has prescribed an antibiotic ointment to help heal your eyelid inflammation, follow his directions. Use the antibiotics as many times a day as you're directed and for as long as the doctor prescribes. Even if your eyelid looks and feels better, you need to use the medication for the prescribed length of time to guarantee that the inflammation is gone.
5. Practice Good Eye Hygiene
One of the easiest ways to keep your eyelids from becoming inflamed and keep your eyes healthy is by maintaining good hygiene and taking care of your eyes. Clean and change disposable contact lenses when you're supposed to. Avoid areas with a lot of dirt and pollutants in the air. If you are surrounded by a lot of dirt, chemicals or pollutants that can get in your eye, keep eye drops handy to moisten and clean your eyes. If you wear eye makeup like eyeliner and mascara, wash it off every night before bed.
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