Swelling of the eyelid is a common condition in society. Different causes may play a role in eyelid swelling.
What is Eyelid Swelling?
Eyelid swelling is a common problem in daily life. Many conditions, from crying to a stye, from an eye infection to allergies, are among the causes of eye swelling. Although the swelling in the eyelid usually resolves spontaneously within a few days, some swellings need to be treated.
Swelling can affect both the upper and lower eyelids. The swelling in the eyelid may be limited to one eye or may occur in both eyes.
What Causes Eyelid Swelling?
There are many different conditions that cause eyelid swelling. The duration, severity, or area of effect of eyelid swelling; It is affected by the underlying condition. Common causes of eyelid swelling:
Stye This ailment, also known as dog elbow among the people, develops as a result of the infection of one of the small glands in the eyelid. A stye initially creates a painful, itchy, small bump on the eyelid. In the following periods, this bump becomes like a pimple. Styes that affect only one gland on the eyelid usually resolve without the need for treatment. Stye lesion should never be tried to be squeezed or exploded. This leads to the spread of the infection. In addition, people should not use make-up materials and eye creams together. Antibiotics can be used for treatment in cases where more than one stye develops at a time, the stye is very painful, the sty causes fever, the symptoms of the stye worsen gradually, and the person develops vision problems.
Chalazion Also called eyelid cyst, chalazion is similar to a sty in appearance. However, the problem with chalazion is not an infection, but a blockage of the sebaceous gland in the eyelid.
In people who have chalazion problems, this situation can be repetitive. A chalazion cyst can grow large enough to cause severe swelling of the eyelid. The cyst usually goes away on its own within a few days. However, large chalazions can cause symptoms such as loss of vision and severe pain.
Allergies Eyelid swelling due to swelling in the eye If it is accompanied by itching, redness and discharge, it is highly likely that the underlying cause is allergy. Allergens such as dust and pollen can irritate the eyes and trigger the onset of allergic reactions.
The most important way to get rid of the problems caused by allergies is to reduce allergen exposure. For example, behaviors such as limiting the time someone with pollen allergy spends outside in the spring or taking a shower when they come from outside can help reduce allergic problems. Antihistamines can be used for allergic eye swelling.
FatigueFatigue, exhaustion may cause eyelid swelling. The eyelids of people who cannot sleep properly at night may swell when they get up in the morning. Not drinking enough fluids is also one of the causes of swelling. This can also cause swelling in the eyelid. When people cry for a long time, not drinking enough water can also increase swelling. As a result, symptoms such as swelling, redness and pain occur in the eye and surrounding tissues. These problems can also be encountered in case of allergies to personal care products. People who have problems with burning in their eyes and swelling in their eyelids due to cosmetic products can use artificial tear drops.
Orbital Cellulitis Infection of the deep tissues of the eyelid is called orbital cellulitis. This infection can easily spread to surrounding tissues and cause severe pain. Even a small scratch on the eyelid is enough for orbital cellulite to pass. In the presence of swelling and redness of the eyelid, severe pain, and the appearance of lines on the eyelid, the nearest health center should be consulted urgently. Orbital cellulitis is a serious infection that requires antibiotic treatment. Patients sometimes need to receive intravenous (IV) antibiotic treatment.
Graves' Disease (Toxic Goiter)Graves' disease is an endocrine disorder that causes the thyroid gland to overwork. This disease causes the body to respond as if there is an infection in the eye. Antibodies released due to disease It causes swelling and inflammation (inflammation) in the z-lid. Controlling Graves' disease allows eyelid problems to disappear.
Ocular HerpesOcular herpes is the infection of the eyelid with Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV). Ocular herpes is a condition that can happen to anyone, but it is more common in children. In ocular herpes, symptoms of redness of the eye, swelling of the eyelid may occur. There is no treatment that will completely eliminate the herpes infection. Just like herpes on the lip, ocular herpes can occur from time to time. For treatment, the patient can be relieved of symptoms by administering antiviral drugs.
Blepharitis Eyelid inflammation, also known as blepharitis, is a chronic disease. In blepharitis, there is inflammation of the eyelid, and this inflammation may decrease or increase from time to time. Depending on the inflammation, symptoms such as swelling and pain in the eyelid can be seen.
Occlusion of the Tear Duct When the tear duct is blocked, the tears produced in the eye cannot flow and the eyelid becomes swollen and red. People with this problem may have difficulty opening their eyes in the morning due to excessive burr formation. Tear duct obstruction is a common problem especially in newborn babies. The blockage usually resolves without the need for treatment. Sometimes the blocked duct can become infected. This infection in the eyelid causes quite severe pain. When such a situation is noticed, it is necessary to consult a doctor immediately. Conjunctivitis causes redness, pain, itching and swelling of the eyelid in patients.
The most common cause of conjunctivitis is viral infection. Viral conjunctivitis usually heals within 7-10 days.
Bacteria, allergens and irritants can cause conjunctivitis.
How to Treat Eyelid Swelling?
Successful with eyelid swelling treatment In order to obtain results, the underlying cause must be corrected. For example, in a person with Graves' disease, it may not be possible to correct eyelid swelling before thyroid hormones return to normal.
How does the swelling in the eye go away? There are applications that can help the swelling in the eyelid go down more easily. These applications can be counted as follows:
- Applying Compresses: A clean wet towel can be placed on the eyelid for 15 minutes twice a day. This can help soften the burr in the eye and remove excess oil from the eyelid. Warmed tea bags or tea-soaked cotton balls can also be covered over the eyes. The caffeine in the tea causes the blood vessels in the eyes and eyelids to constrict, thus reducing the swelling in the eye.
- Gently Washing the Eye: Eye cleaning can be done after applying a compress to the eye. For this, baby shampoo that does not burn the eyes can be used. In the cleaning process, first the eyelid is wiped with a cloth dampened with baby shampoo and water, and then the eye is rinsed with plenty of water.
Eyelid swelling can occur for many different reasons. Eyelid swelling is mostly harmless and resolves on its own. However, in some cases, swelling may develop due to a condition that requires treatment. For this reason, it is useful to consult a doctor for eyelid swelling that does not go away within a few days.
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