A toddler with a swollen eyelid can give a parent cause for concern, particularly if the child complains of pain. A pediatrician or eye doctor needs to examine your child’s eye to determine what is causing the swelling and any other symptoms. This information can help you and the doctor discuss treatment options.
Causes
Possible causes of a swollen eyelid include an allergic reaction to allergens such as pollen, pet dander or food; an eye infection; or a blocked oil gland in the eyelid.
Additional Symptoms
Allergies to pollen, pet dander or other airborne allergens may cause swollen eyelids and other eye-related symptoms. These symptoms include redness, itching, scratchiness or excessive tearing. Your child may experience other allergy symptoms such as nasal congestion and sneezing.
An eye infection, commonly known as pink eye, or conjunctivitis, produces similar symptoms to the eye reaction of allergies, and the infection may result from sources such as bacteria, viruses or fungi. If a blocked gland in the eyelid causes the swelling, your child may have tenderness or pain in the lid, but she may not have additional symptoms.
If your child has an allergic reaction to foods such as peanuts, shellfish or milk, he may have a systemic reaction that can cause a variety of symptoms, including eyelid swelling. He also may have swelling in areas of his face and mouth, and he may experience a skin rash, upset stomach or difficulty breathing.
Treatment
If your child has eyelid swelling and no other symptoms, the pediatrician may recommend applying a cool, damp cloth to the affected eye to help bring down swelling. The doctor may recommend ibuprofen or other appropriate anti-inflammatory medications if the swelling does not recede.
An allergic reaction to any allergen, including food, may respond to antihistamine medications. Your doctor may recommend over-the-counter products or prescription medications, depending on the severity of your toddler’s reaction. Eye infections may require antibiotic eyedrops or other medication to treat the source of the infection.
In the case of a blocked oil gland in the eyelid, warm compresses held against the eyelid for a few minutes throughout the day may help loosen the blockage. If the oil gland does not clear, the doctor may need to drain the gland, which helps reduce the swelling as well as clear the blockage.
Considerations
Seek medical attention immediately if your child experiences difficulty breathing or other serious complications in addition to eye-related symptoms. You should not give your child medications without first consulting a pediatrician since improper dosing can result in serious side effects.
