Eye Or Eyelid Swelling Causes, Symptoms And Treatment

An eye or eyelid swelling or puffy eye is a common problem. It develops due to the accumulation of excess fluid or inflammation in the connective tissues around your eyes. It can cause pain or itching. It may range from mild to severe. There are different underlying causes responsible for causing swelling. This swelling can be a symptom of other medical conditions. The duration of this swelling lasts for about 24 to 48 hours and may disappear even without treatment.

Causes

There are multiple causes for the development of eye or eyelid swelling such as,

• Allergies
• Conjunctivitis (pinkeye)
• Shingles
• Bug bite
• ty
• Orbital cellulitis
• Chalazion
• Trauma
• Injuries
• Grave’s disease
• Eye cancer
• Inflamed eyelids (blepharitis)
• Cyst
• Fluid retention

Symptoms

The symptoms other than swelling are listed below,

• Pain
• Blurry vision
• Decreased vision
• Floating spots which are dark in color (floaters)
• Cloudy vision
• Feeling of something’s stuck inside your eye
• Increased tear production
• Watery eyes
• Blood or mucous discharge from your eyes
• Itching
• Eye redness
• Burning sensations
• Dry eyes

Treatment

The treatment of swollen eyes depends upon the severity and duration of symptoms. You should use a warm compress for 5-10 minutes several times in a day. This will promote the healing process.  This warm compress will melt the oil in the meibomian glands or increase the production of oil. If the duration of swelling lasts for about 24 hours, then you should consult with your doctor. Your doctor will prescribe corticosteroid for the treatment of eye inflammation. The corticosteroid can be given in the form of eye drops in mild cases and injection in the case of severe prolonged swelling. Your doctor can also prescribe antibiotics or antiviral medicines if the swelling is caused by an infection. The most commonly prescribed antibiotics are azithromycin, bacitracin, erythromycin and ciprofloxacin. The most commonly used antihistamines are azelastine, carbinoxamine, cyproheptadine and desloratadine. Your doctor can also prescribe over-the-counter artificial tears for the treatment of dry eyes.