Swollen eyelids is a disorder that can be an outcome of a simple allergy or severe eye infection. The HealthHearty article provides you with eyelid swelling treatment with respect to its underlying causes and symptoms.
Eyelid swelling is a common eye problem experienced by most people at some point or the other. The eyelids which comprise thin folds of skin, muscle, and connective tissue, protect the eyes from environmental contamination like dust, smoke, debris, etc. In this condition, one or both eyelids as well as the surrounding region gets inflamed and swollen. Though it doesn’t affect the sufferer’s vision, the condition can be bothersome and causes symptoms like redness of eyes, watery discharge from the corner of the eye, eye itchiness, formation of scales on the eyelids, etc.
Treatment Options According to Causes
Stye
It is an infection of the sebaceous gland of the eyelid which appears like a pimple on the infected eyelid. In most cases, some topical antibiotics are prescribed to reduce the inflammation and swelling.
Chalazion
A chalazion is another cause which occurs as a result of a blockage in the outflow duct of a meibomian gland in the eyelid. The condition is characterized by a formation of small lump on the eyelid, that causes too much itchiness and discomfort. Generally medications are injected in the chalazion or it is simply excised.
Blepharitis
Blepharitis is basically an inflammation of the eyelids that causes severe burning-like irritation in the eyes. The condition is often characterized by redness and swelling in the eyelids and dried crusts. Blepharitis usually clears up after applying prescribed antibiotic ointment for a certain period of time.
Entropion and Ectropion
Entropion and Ectropion are eye infections wherein the lower eyelid turns inward and outward, respectively. The condition can be an outcome of spastic eyelid muscle or scar, or some allergies of the eyes. Both the conditions can be surgically corrected and to keep the cornea moist some lubricating drops can be a good treatment.
Eyelid Edema
Eyelid edema is a medical condition wherein the eyelids contain excessive fluids. It is causes due to an infection or allergic reaction to an allergen, food, eye makeup, etc. The best treatment is to stay away from the substance that causes allergy and use cold compresses and immunosuppressive drugs like corticosteroid creams.
Conjunctivitis
Commonly known as pink eye, conjunctivitis is another cause for swollen eyelids which occurs due to an inflammation of the conjunctiva of the eye. Certain antibiotics and over-the-counter eye drops are used.
Home Remedies to Try
Cold Compress
Applying a wrung ice water-dipped cotton pad on closed eyelids for 10 to 15 minutes several times a day can help constrict the blood vessels and reduce swelling. Likewise, keeping a chilled slice of cucumber or water soaked cold tea bags on the eyelids for 10 to 12 minutes will also prove to be helpful in reducing the swelling by minimizing water retention.
Warm Compress
Another useful treatment is to keep a warm wash cloth, cotton soaked in warm water or warm hot compresses for 10 to 15 minutes on the swollen eyelid several times a day.
Along with the medications and remedies, you should also try to keep your head elevated above the body as this discourages fluid from accumulating in the eye area. Hence, while sleeping use a pillow and sleep on your back as far as possible. Ensure that before going to bed, you remove your eye make up as it is one of the major causes for eyelid swelling. Cut down your salt intake as it causes water retention and drink enough water.
Disclaimer: This HealthHearty article is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice. As for home remedies, you should consult with a health care provider before following any of the remedies mentioned in the article as not all remedies are clinically proven, and may not have the same impact on everyone.
