Swollen Eyelid: Causes and Treatment

A swollen eyelid can occur for various reasons, and it may suggest an infection or a different issue that needs medical attention.

There are numerous potential causes for eyelid swelling, with common ones including blepharitis, styes, and pink eye. It may also result from skin issues such as eczema or a thyroid disorder.

A swollen eyelid can often be resolved by using a warm, wet compress. However, there are situations where a doctor might need to prescribe antibiotics or address any underlying issues that led to the swelling.

In this article, learn more about what causes a swollen eyelid and what to do if your eye is swollen.

Eye Swelling Causes

What causes a swollen eyelid? Here are some of the common causes and their treatments.

1. Chalazion

A chalazion is a lump that forms on the eyelid when an oil gland gets blocked. This blockage causes oil to build up behind it. The lump often feels hard and may be accompanied by swelling, redness, tenderness, and sometimes blurry vision. In some cases, the swelling can spread to the entire eyelid, and it’s possible to have more than one chalazion at a time. People with conditions like blepharitis or rosacea may be more prone to developing chalazia.

Chalazion Treatment Options

These lumps usually resolve on their own within days or weeks. Applying warm compresses for 10–15 minutes several times a day can help reduce discomfort and encourage drainage. In more persistent cases, treatments like anti-inflammatory eye drops, steroid injections, or minor surgery to drain the lump might be necessary.

2. Stye

A stye is a small infection in one of the glands in the eyelid, resembling a tiny abscess. It often develops at the base of an eyelash. You might notice the following symptoms:

1. Swelling around the eyelid.
2. Pain or tenderness in the affected area.
3. A scratchy sensation in the eye.
4. A red, pimple-like bump, sometimes with a small pus-filled spot in the centre.
5. Crusting caused by discharge.

Stye Treatment Options

Styes typically go away on their own within 1–2 weeks without needing medical treatment. However, you can manage some of the symptoms like eyelid swelling at home. For swollen eyelid treatment at home:

1. Apply a warm compress to the affected area for 5–10 minutes, three to four times daily. This helps relieve pain and encourages healing.
2. Do not use eye makeup or creams until the stye has completely healed.
3. Stop wearing contact lenses to reduce irritation and prevent further infection.
4. Take over-the-counter pain relief medication, if needed.
5. Do not attempt to pop or squeeze the stye, as this can worsen the infection and harm your eye.

3. Allergies

Allergies to common triggers like dust, pollen, and pet dander can lead to eye irritation and swelling. If you're allergic to something, your eyes may swell, itch, or burn. You might also notice redness and watery eyes.

Allergies Treatment Options

You can use cool compresses to reduce itching and swelling around the eyes. Taking antihistamines can help control the allergic reaction. Over-the-counter eye drops can also provide relief from dryness and itching. 

In more severe cases, oral prescription medications and specialised eye drops may be needed to better manage the symptoms.

4. Fluid Retention

Fluid retention, or peripheral oedema, occurs when the body has trouble removing excess fluid, leading to swelling in areas like the hands, feet, and eyelids. This condition can be a sign of various health issues, such as thyroid problems, kidney or liver disease, heart failure, obstructive sleep apnoea, lymphoedema, or the use of certain medicines.

Fluid Retention Treatment Options

Treatment will depend on the cause of the fluid retention, but it may include diuretics, which are medicines that help the body get rid of excess fluid. When the swelling is caused by fluid retention, puffy eyelid treatment usually involves increasing water intake and cutting down salt consumption in addition to any necessary medication.

5. Sleep

Swollen eyelids can appear for several reasons, including genetic factors and medical conditions. However, lack of sleep and fatigue can make them look more noticeable.

Sleep-Induced Puffy Eyelid Treatment

To reduce the appearance of puffy eyelids, applying a cold compress while sitting upright may help soothe the area and relieve some of the swelling. For a more effective and long-lasting solution, consider using an under eye serum designed to target puffiness and reduce swelling under the eyes.

6. Crying

Crying can cause puffiness around the eyes. Tears are produced for various reasons, such as to keep the eye moist and wash away irritants like dust. When a person cries a lot, the system that normally drains tears might not be able to handle the excess, leading to swelling around the eyes.

Crying-Induced Puffy Eyelid Treatment

To soothe the discomfort and reduce the puffiness after crying, applying a cool compress can help.

7. Cosmetics

Makeup and skincare products can sometimes cause irritation, swelling, and puffiness around the eyelids. This issue can stem from a variety of reasons. For example, some products might contain allergens or irritants. In other cases, not removing makeup properly before sleeping or using products that are not designed for use around the eyes can also lead to problems. Additionally, bacteria can build up on items like mascara over time.

Cosmetics-Induced Swollen Eyelid Treatment

If you experience swelling after applying cosmetics, artificial tears can provide relief from the discomfort. If the symptoms persist or get worse, it's important to consult a doctor for advice.

8. Orbital Cellulitis

Orbital cellulitis is a serious infection that affects the eye socket. It is usually caused by a bacterial infection in the nasal and sinus passages, but it can also result from surgery, immune issues, or other factors. This condition can cause swelling, redness, pain (especially when moving the eye), and even paralysis of the muscles that control eye movement.

Orbital Cellulitis Treatment Options

Treatment typically involves antibiotics, which may be prescribed for 2–3 weeks or longer. In severe cases, if an abscess forms, surgery may be required to drain it.

9. Pink Eye

Pink eye, or conjunctivitis, is an inflammation of the thin, clear protective layer that covers the inside of the eyelid as well as the white part of the eye. It can be caused by various factors, including viral, bacterial, or fungal infections, allergies, sensitivity reactions, or exposure to irritants and toxins. Symptoms of pink eye include swollen eyelids, redness in the eyes, itching, pain, and discharge. While pink eye typically clears up on its own in 1–2 weeks, it can sometimes last longer, and some people experience chronic conjunctivitis lasting more than 4 weeks.

Pink Eye Treatment Options

To manage the condition at home, you can apply cold compresses to reduce discomfort, use artificial tears, keep your eyes clean, avoid makeup, and wash your hands frequently to prevent spreading the infection. If symptoms worsen, pain becomes severe, or the condition doesn’t improve in 2 weeks, you should see a doctor.

10. Blepharitis

Blepharitis is an inflammation of the edges of the eyelids, which can be caused by a bacterial or viral infection or an allergic reaction. While some people may experience it only once, it is often a long-term condition with symptoms that can improve and then flare up again. The symptoms of blepharitis can include:

1. Inflammation of the eyelids
2. Burning or itching sensation
3. Crusting on the eyelids
4. Flakes around the eyelashes, similar to dandruff
5. Blurry vision
6. A feeling that something is in the eye
7. Loss of eyelashes

Blepharitis Treatment Options

It's important to keep the eyelids clean, especially during flare-ups. Here are steps to follow two to four times a day:

1. Apply a warm, wet compress for 5 to 10 minutes. This will soften any debris and open the oil glands in your eyelids.
2. Gently wash the edges of the eyelids with a cotton bud dipped in warm water and a little baby shampoo.
3. Softly rub your eyelids in a circular motion with a cotton swab or your fingertip. This will help stimulate the oil glands.

11. Ocular Herpes

Ocular herpes simplex is a type of herpes virus that can infect the eye. It can affect the eyelids and other parts of the eye. Symptoms can include irritation, redness, inflammation of the cornea (the clear outer layer of the eye), ulcers on the conjunctiva and cornea, and a loss of sensation in the cornea. This virus often first infects children under the age of 5, but it stays in the body and can cause symptoms to return later in life.

Ocular Herpes Treatment Options

Treatment may include:

1. Antibiotic eye drops, steroid eye drops, or both together.
2. Intravenous (IV) medication in some cases.
3. Lubricating eye drops to help with dry eyes.
4. Antiretroviral therapy to reduce the chances of the virus coming back and to prevent complications.
5. Surgery, if necessary.

12. Cataracts

If you're experiencing persistent and painful eyelid swelling, it’s important to consider if you have an underlying condition like cataracts. Cataracts can break down and leak proteins into the eye to cause swelling. This is a serious issue and requires immediate medical attention. Learn more about cataracts in our previous blog on can cataracts be reversed?

Cataract Treatment Options

In most cases, cataract treatment entails surgery that replaces the cloudy lens in the eye with an artificial one. For cataract-induced eye swelling, you may be given anti-inflammatory drops for relief.

Final Thoughts

Swollen eyelids are usually not a serious problem. In most cases, the swelling goes away within a week or two with simple home treatments, such as applying a warm compress. However, if the swelling lasts longer, keeps returning, or is accompanied by other worrying symptoms, it's a good idea to see a doctor. They may perform tests to determine the cause and suggest further treatment if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which deficiency causes swollen eyelids?

Not getting enough vitamin D might lead to blepharitis, which is when your eyelids become inflamed. Taking certain fatty acid supplements may help with the symptoms of blepharitis.

What kind of allergies can make your eyes swell?

Allergies to things like pollen and grass can lead to seasonal allergic conjunctivitis, which is when your eyes get red and itchy during certain times of the year. Perennial allergic conjunctivitis happens all year round and is usually caused by indoor allergens like pet hair, dust, and mould.

How long does an eye stay swollen?

Swollen eyelids usually go down on their own in about a day. If the swelling doesn’t improve within 24 to 48 hours, you should visit your eye doctor. If you also have a fever, changes in your vision, double vision, or if your eyes are bulging, seek medical help right away.

Which is more effective for a swollen eyelid, a warm compress or a cold one?

A cool compress can help reduce swelling after crying or during an allergic reaction. On the other hand, conditions like a chalazion may respond better to a warm compress.

When is it necessary to consult a doctor about a swollen eyelid?

You should contact a doctor if:

1. You have a fever or signs of infection.
2. You feel pain when moving your eyes.
3. The symptoms are severe or getting worse.
4. The swelling lasts longer than 24-48 hours.
5. You notice changes in your vision.