Symptoms can affect one eye or both, depending on the reason.
Illustration by Brianna Gilmartin for Verywell Health
1.
Eye Allergies
Allergiesare a common cause of eyelid swelling.Allergicconjunctivitiscan occur due to seasonal allergies topollenor to substances like dust.
Illustration by Brianna Gilmartin for Verywell Health
Topical antihistamines (applied to the skin) are among first-line treatments for allergic conjunctivitis.
Some of the treatments, however, also can lead to swollen eyes.
Eye Styes
An itchy and tenderstyehappens whenbacteriaenter the oil-producingmeibomianglands in the eyelid.
They typically cause a reddish bump on the eyelid.
The eye may appear bruised and feel sensitive to light when a stye starts.
This often makes the eye feel better, and may also help to open any blocked pores.
The stye can then drain out and start to heal.
Some people may require medical treatment.
Chalazion
Achalazionoccurs when a meibomian gland gets blocked.
The gland turns into a hard lump, which may cause redness and swelling of the eyelid.
The treatment for chalazion is similar to the treatment for a stye.
Never attempt to squeeze it or break it open.
Your healthcare provider can help determine whether bacteria, allergies, or viruses cause it.
Self-care can begin with warm or cool compresses to soothe the affected eye.
Cellulitis
Cellulitisis a more serious cause of eyelid swelling and requires prompt treatment.
Treatment includes antimicrobial drugs.
However, the virus can remain latent for years in and around the eye.
A swollen eye is a common symptom, as are painful sores on the eyelid or the eye surface.
Antiviral medications are commonly used totreat eye herpes.
Shingles
Shingles, also calledherpes zoster, is resulting from a viral infection related to chickenpox.
The risk ofshingles eye infectionis increased in people:
Early detection and treatment are essential to prevent complications.
Antiviral medications and steroid eye drops may be prescribed to treat a shingles-related infection.
A vaccine is available to prevent shingles.
The herpes virus also can affect the eye, but it is not the same virus that causes shingles.
Eczema
Eyelid eczemais common in people with skin conditions who experience dry, itchy skin symptoms on the face.
Because eczema can affect any area of the skin, it can also affect the eyelid.
Similar causes, including cosmetics and contact allergies, can affect the eyelid.
Careful hygiene and handwashing can help prevent a reaction to contact lens solutions and other products.
Graves' Disease
People withGraves' diseaseor other thyroid problems often develop eyelid swelling.
Although it can affect one eye more than the other, it usually involves both eyes.
Graves' disease can cause the eyes to bulge.
Sometimes, Graves' disease can limit eye motion or cause double vision.
Your healthcare provider may prescribe steroids, like prednisone orTepezza (teprotumumab), to help treat your swelling.
Some cases may be treated with radiation to reduce swelling in eye muscle and tissue.
Talk to your healthcare provider about a diagnosis and treatment.
Edema
Severe cases ofedemacan cause swelling around the eyes, especially after lying down.
Edema usually affects the feet first.
Edema can be brought on by serious health conditions such as kidney, liver, or heart failure.
It is common to retain fluid during pregnancy, which may cause your eyelids to appear swollen or puffy.
Many women also retain fluid during their menstrual cycle.
If the eye continues to be painful or your symptoms worsen, contact your healthcare provider.
Depending on the cause, you may be referred to an opthalmologist, aneye specialist.
Some symptoms may point to a more serious condition.
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