Worried About Swollen Eyelids? Your Optometrist Can Help
Did you see an entirely different person in the mirror this morning? Swollen eyelids can dramatically change your appearance in just a few hours. Whether the swelling is caused by allergies, an infection or another eye condition, your optometrist can determine the cause and recommend treatment options that relieve swelling. Your swollen eyelids may be due to:
Allergies
Allergies happen when your body incorrectly assumes that mold, pollen, pet dander, foods, or other harmless things are dangerous substances. It reacts by releasing histamines, natural chemicals that target allergens. Histamine production causes several uncomfortable symptoms in addition to swollen eyelids, including sneezing, watery eyes, running nose, and itchy red eyes. The Center for Disease Control's National Center for Health Statistics reported that almost a third of adults and a fourth of children suffered from a seasonal or food allergy or eczema in 2021.
Treatment Options: Over-the-counter allergy medication and eye drops may relieve allergy symptoms. If the swelling and discomfort continues, your optometrist may prescribe prescription antihistamine or anti-inflammatory eye drops.
Blepharitis
Blepharitis, a condition that inflames the eyelids and causes redness, itching, swollen eyelids, and small white flakes that look like dandruff, could be the reason for your swollen eyelids. According to the American Optometric Association (AOA), blepharitis can be caused by bacteria or skin conditions, including rosacea and scalp dandruff.
Treatment Options: Warm compresses soothe the eyes and loosen crusts that may form on the eyelids. Washing the lids with a lid cleaner or a solution of warm water mixed with baby shampoo may relieve symptoms. If blepharitis is caused by bacteria, your optometrist may prescribe an antibiotic.
Conjunctivitis
Conjunctivitis, commonly called "pink eye," affects the white part of the eye and the inside of the eyelid, causing redness, pain, discharge, and itching. Conjunctivitis can be caused by allergies or a viral or bacterial infection. The AOA notes that bacterial conjunctivitis infections can be worse in people who wear contact lenses.
Treatment Options: Allergy eye drops can be helpful if your allergies caused conjunctivitis. Your eye doctor may recommend prescription eye drops for a bacterial infection. Your symptoms will eventually get better on their own if you have viral conjunctivitis. Artificial tears will keep your eyes lubricated and may ease conjunctivitis symptoms. Cold compresses can also be helpful.
Injuries
Did your eyelid swell after a blow to the face or another eye injury? Although cold compresses can be helpful for minor injuries, you'll need to visit the optometrist or go to the emergency room if the swelling is severe, doesn't go away within a day or two, or you notice blurry vision, light sensitivity, or bleeding,
Treatment Options: Treatments depend on the type of injury and may include antibiotic or anti-inflammatory eye drops, stitches, or surgery.
Chalazions and Styes
Chalazions are bumps that form in the eyelid due to a blocked oil gland. Styes cause bumps at the base of the eyelid and happen when oil glands become infected. Stye symptoms include foreign body sensation, watering, crusting, and sensitivity to light. Chalazions are usually less painful than styes, although the bump may be red and tender.
Treatment Options: Your eye doctor may recommend warm compresses to help shrink the bump and unclog blocked oil glands. Antibiotics may be prescribed to treat the bacterial infection that causes styles. If your chalazion doesn't improve, your eye doctor may suggest a steroid injection to ease swelling. Surgical draining may be needed if your style or chalazion affects your vision or doesn't get better on its own.
Other Causes
Swollen eyelids can also be caused by:
- Thyroid Disease
- Cellulitis
- Sinus Infections
- Graves' Disease
- Kidney Disease
- Insect Bites
- Fluid Retention
- Shingles
Treatment Options: Treatment depends on the cause of the swelling. For example, managing underlying diseases and conditions could improve swelling, while antibiotics treatment kills germs responsible for cellulitis, a potentially serious infection that may affect the eyelids or eye sockets.
Concerned about swollen eyes? Prompt treatment can improve your comfort and prevent complications that could lead to vision loss. Contact our office to make your appointment with the optometrist.
Sources:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: More Than a Quarter of U.S. Adults and Children Have at Least One Allergy, 1/26/2023
https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/pressroom/nchs_press_releases/2022/20220126.htm
American Optometric Association: Blepharitis
https://www.aoa.org/healthy-eyes/eye-and-vision-conditions/blepharitis?sso=y
All About Vision: Swollen Eyelid Causes and How to Treat a Swollen Eyelid, 7/27/2021
https://www.allaboutvision.com/conditions/symptoms/swollen-eyelids/overview-of-swollen-eyelids/
American Optometric Association: Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)
https://www.aoa.org/healthy-eyes/eye-and-vision-conditions/conjunctivitis?sso=y
American Academy of Ophthalmology: What Is the Difference Between a Stye and a Chalazion? Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, 7/14/2023
https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/what-are-chalazia-styes
