Folic acid, also known as folate or B9, helps your body create new cells, an important component in the development and growth of a fetus during pregnancy. You also need folic acid to metabolize certain compounds. Foods and supplements provide you with the folic acid you need each day. Although your body requires a certain amount of folic acid to function properly, you may have side effects from supplementation or high intakes. However, eye swelling does not typically occur from this nutrient.
Side Effects
Folic acid does not cause eyelid inflammation, but if you take supplements you could have an allergic reaction to a binder or other component of the pill. You could also have an allergic reaction to foods containing folic acid. If this occurs you may also experience swelling in other parts of your face or mouth such as your lips, cheeks or tongue. You may have itching or a rash. Such a reaction could also cause stomach upset or diarrhea and, in the case of a severe reaction to a component of a pill, you could have shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.
Other Causes
If you experience eyelid swelling you may have an eye condition causing your symptoms. Conditions that may cause lid inflammation include eye infections such as pink eye, or you may have blepharitis, a condition involving swelling of the eyelash follicles along the rim of your eyelids. These conditions may also cause redness on the surface of your eyes, and you may also feel scratchiness or itching. The tissue that makes up your eyelids contains oil glands, and if a blockage occurs in one of these glands you may notice a bump that inflames the surrounding area of the lid.
Treatment
The treatment for your eyelid swelling will depend on the cause and severity of your condition. If you have an allergic reaction to a compound found in a folic acid supplement or to a food, your doctor may recommend an over-the-counter allergy medication that will help alleviate your symptoms. Your doctor may recommend an allergy eye drop to help with treatment.
Eye infections or blepharitis may require a prescription medication to resolve the source of the problem, and this should help reduce the swelling. If you have a blocked gland, your doctor may recommend applying a damp, warm washcloth to your eyelid for five minutes a few times a day to help soften the blockage. Your doctor may need to drain the gland if the blockage does not resolve.
Considerations
Tell your doctor if you have eyelid swelling or other symptoms of an allergic reaction or eye condition. Your doctor will determine the cause for your symptoms and recommend treatment. If you experience shortness of breath, severe eye pain or have sudden loss of vision associated with eyelid swelling or other symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.
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