Swollen eyelids: what to do?

Eyelid edema is a localized, excessive accumulation of fluid in the eyelids. Either only the lower eyelid or only the upper eyelid is swollen (in most cases). Attacks may be single or recurrent. This pathology occurs in both elderly and children, but is more common in adults over 30 years of age.

Eyelid edema – symptoms

The symptoms of eyelid edema include:

• Severe redness and burning of the skin;
• Pain when touching or pressing the eyelid skin;
• Discomfort and pain in the eyes;
• General discomfort;
• Discoloration of the eyelid skin;
• Small rashes may occur;
• In some cases, the presence of inflammatory growths, nodules, or masses (such as boils or mastoid tumors).

Causes of eyelid edema

Eyelid edema is not always the result of a medical condition.

Possible causes of eyelid swelling include:

1. Improper fluid distribution in hot weather (in this case, not only the eyelids but the entire face swells);
2. Drinking large amounts of water or eating salty or spicy foods before bedtime;
3. Incorrect position of the head in relation to the body during sleep – with a prolonged shift in the position of the body, more fluid from the body is distributed to the eyelids;
4. Prolonged overwork, stress, lack of sleep, fatigue;
5. Consumption of alcoholic beverages. This also contributes to the condensation of large amounts of water around the eyes;
6. Restriction of water intake – due to lack of water, the body begins to accumulate water in various areas, including the eyelids.

Excessive swelling of the upper eyelids is considered a condition caused by several diseases. The most common are listed in the table below:

Blepharoconjunctivitis
A combination of conjunctivitis (inflammation of the lining of the eye) and blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelid margin).
It is a very rare condition in which the blood vessels are affected, including the vascular system of the upper eyelid.

Conjunctivitis
Infectious or non-infectious lesions of the mucous membranes of the eye are the most common in all age groups. In conjunctivitis, the eyelids are swollen and have a distinct red color.

Trachoma
A chronic infectious disease caused by Chlamydia. In the early stages of the disease, symptoms are usually mild or absent, with the final symptom being swollen eyelids.

Tuberculosis
An infectious disease caused by the tubercle bacillus. It rarely occurs alone and is usually a complication of pulmonary tuberculosis.

Endophthalmitis
An inflammatory disease that spreads to the internal structures of the eye. The patient’s vision is sharply reduced and acquires a reddish hue, at the same time there is pronounced swelling and thickening of the eyelids.

Swelling of the upper and lower eyelids
Edema of the upper eyelid is nothing more than an accumulation of fluid in the intercellular spaces.

The causes of eyelid edema can be very varied. Usually they are mild and do not require complex correction, but there are serious conditions that require specialized treatment.

The causes of eyelid edema can be very varied. Usually they are minor and do not require complex correction, but there are serious diseases that require specialized medical intervention and further treatment.

Inflammatory edema can occur with colds and various sinus infections. Unilateral itching and swelling of the upper eyelids is usually associated with local exposure to allergens or irritants.

If the swelling recurs, it is important to identify the cause of this symptom in order not to miss the early stages of a serious disease.

In diseases of the circulatory system, swelling of the lower eyelids is most common and increases in the evening. In advanced cases, the swelling may spread to the face and eyelids. Fluctuations in blood pressure are accompanied by shortness of breath and irregular heartbeat.

What to do if your eyelids swell

1. If your eyelids swell, see your doctor;
2. Self-treatment can lead to Quincke’s edema and hospitalization;
3. Some folk remedies are very effective, but their use should always be under medical supervision;
4. One of the most important preventive measures is to follow the rules of facial skin care;
5. Do not use creams, cosmetics, contact lenses and other cosmetic products;
6. Avoid wiping your eyes;
7. Avoid self-medication – they can increase intraocular pressure;
8. If you are sure that the cause of the swelling of the eyelids is an allergy, see an immunologist and an ophthalmologist immediately.
9. The specialist will examine you and perform a detailed examination. A general analysis is usually performed to diagnose diseases of the excretory, digestive and circulatory systems.

Failure to find the cause of a swollen eyelid on your own is an undeniable reason to consult an ophthalmologist. Many people start to treat swollen eyelids on their own without seeking help from a doctor, which is a mistake. After all, without identifying the real cause of the disease, self-treatment only complicates the situation and worsens the condition of the body. Many people apply warm cloths to their eyes or take antihistamines to alleviate the condition, but all these measures can lead to serious complications.

Possible consequences

If the symptoms of eyelid edema are not treated, the following complications may occur:

• Swelling of the eye;
• Increased intraocular pressure;
• Increased body temperature;
• Glaucoma;
• Blindness.

It is important to monitor your health, be aware of any changes in the skin of the eyelids, follow the recommendations of your doctor, and have any necessary tests done in a timely manner.