A swollen eyelid is a highly noticeable and often bothersome condition. In some cases, the swelling can be so severe that it partially or completely obstructs vision.
Although many causes of swollen eyelids are harmless, even minor issues can sometimes escalate into more serious concerns.
If you’ve previously dealt with swollen eyelids, it’s generally safe to manage the condition at home.
Swelling around the eyes typically results from inflammation or fluid buildup in the tissues surrounding the eye. It can affect both the upper and lower eyelids and may be either painful or painless.
Common causes of swollen eyelids include eye infections, injuries, trauma, and allergic reactions. However, in certain cases, it can signal a more serious medical condition such as orbital cellulitis, Graves’ disease, or ocular herpes.
Swollen eyelids are often accompanied by symptoms like eye irritation, excessive tearing, redness, blurred vision, inflammation of the conjunctiva, discharge, dryness, and pain.
In this article, we explore the leading causes of swollen eyelids:
# Stye
A stye is a bacterial infection of a gland in the eyelid, usually at the base of the eyelashes. It can also form inside the eyelid due to an infected oil gland.
# Chalazion
Though it resembles an infection, a chalazion is caused by a blocked oil gland rather than bacteria. These lumps can grow large but usually respond well to warm compresses.
# Allergies
Swelling accompanied by redness, itchiness, and watery eyes often indicates an allergic reaction. Allergens like dust, pollen, and pet dander are common triggers.
# Exhaustion
Fatigue can cause fluid retention around the eyes, leading to puffiness and swollen eyelids, especially after a long night’s rest.
# Crying
Prolonged crying may rupture tiny blood vessels in the eyelids and surrounding areas, leading to swelling caused by increased blood flow and fluid retention.
# Cosmetics
Eye makeup and other cosmetic products can irritate the eyes or surrounding tissues, causing inflammation and swelling if they come into contact with the eyes.
# Orbital Cellulitis
This is a serious infection deep within the tissues of the eyelid, often caused by bacteria entering through a cut or injury. It spreads quickly and is typically very painful.
# Graves’ Disease
An autoimmune thyroid disorder, Graves’ disease can cause the immune system to attack tissues around the eyes, resulting in swelling and inflammation.