Eyelid Swelling in a High Fat Diet

Eyelid Swelling in a High Fat Diet
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Poor dietary habits usually involve the consumption of unhealthy fats such as saturated fats, trans fatty acids and hydrogenated fats. No matter the type of fats consumed, a high-fat diet may have negative effects on your health. Swelling of the eyelids, however, does not have a known connection to the consumption of dietary fat. If you have swollen eyelids, consult a physician to determine the cause.

Causes

Swollen eyelids will not result from a diet high in fact, but other factors may cause inflammation. You may have an eye infection such as conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye. This condition also causes symptoms such as itching, redness and tearing. Eye allergies from allergens such as pollen may also cause eyelid swelling, and you may have additional symptoms similar to conjunctivitis. If you have a blocked gland in your eyelid you may have eyelid swelling. The gland will often swell, creating a lump. You may notice tenderness, redness and inflammation in the surrounding area.

Effects

Although a high fat diet will not cause swollen lids, this type of diet could have other ill effects. This type of diet may contribute to increased cholesterol levels and increase your risk for heart disease and related conditions such as heart attacks and strokes. In addition, a diet high in polyunsaturated fats could lead to an increased risk for certain types of cancer, explains MedlinePlus. Foods with this type of fat include corn oil, soybean oil and fish oil.

Treatment

If you have eyelid swelling the treatment will depend entirely on the cause of your inflammation. An infection may require antibiotics or other medication, but an allergy will require an eye drop or oral medication with an antihistamine or other component to combat the reaction. Eyelid bumps may clear if you dampen a cloth with warm water and hold the compress against the affected eyelid. This may help clear the blockage, but if you continue to have the bump, your eye doctor may need to drain the gland.

Considerations

Talk to your doctor if you consume a diet high in fat. She can help you make gradual changes and create a plan that provides you with the necessary nutrition you need while lowering your risk for serious medical conditions. If you have eyelid swelling, see your eye doctor to determine the cause and whether you require medication or other treatment.

References

Article reviewed by Libby Swope Wiersema Last updated on: Sep 2, 2011

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