You’re getting ready for a big evening, and you give yourself a last look. That’s when the mirror tells you your eyes are swollen and puffy. You ask, “Where did that come from?” You’ve seen it before, but only after crying or allergies. Tonight, neither applies.
Most people suffer from puffy eyes now and again. Although rare, swollen eyelids may be a symptom of a severe condition that could threaten your eyesight. Here are some common causes of swollen eyelids; this can let you know when a trip to your eye doctor might be your best next step.
Eye Allergies
If your eyes confront an allergen, like pollen or dust mites, your immune system will release histamine. This natural chemical will cause your eye’s blood vessels to inflame, itch, and swell. They will also become red and teary.
If you struggle with eye allergies, the use of allergy medication or antihistamine eye drops will help. Also, artificial tears can stop dry eyes in their tracks.
Pink Eye
Also known as conjunctivitis, pink eye occurs when the lining on your eye’s surface becomes inflamed. This inflammation may be from a virus, allergy, or bacterial infection resulting in itchy, watery, and swollen eyelids covering pink or red eyes.
You will need an antibiotic if the problem is bacterial. If the cause is unknown, the best remedy is to visit your eye doctor as soon as you can.
Stye
Suppose you have tender bumps along the edge of a swollen eyelid. In that case, it’s probably a stye—these forms when an eyelash follicle or tear gland gets infected. Sometimes a warm compress will handle the issue, but you should visit your eye doctor for help if it persists. If the stye is infected, your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic. For more severe infections, you may need minor eye surgery.
Chalazion
When that same red bump is not a stye but a sebaceous cyst, this is known as a chalazion. This concern is caused by blocked oil glands, making your eyes feel tender.
Although warm compresses may work, if the chalazion is extremely swollen, you need to visit your eye doctor. You may need a corticosteroid shot to reduce inflammation or a minor surgery to drain the bump.
Cellulitis
There are two types of cellulitis, periorbital and orbital. Both of these conditions are an infection affecting the eye. Periorbital affects the skin around the eye and the eyelid. An orbital infection is located around the eye in the muscle and fat. Both result in swollen, puffy eyes and will require medical treatment if warm compresses don’t help.
Ocular Herpes
This eye condition is caused by the herpes simplex virus. It results in a watery discharge, irritation, tearing, sores, redness, and swollen lids. Feeling like there is something in your eye and sensitivity to light are also common symptoms.
A quick remedy is necessary to prevent corneal scarring. That means a trip to your eye doctor for medication, antiviral eye drops, and steroid drops to diminish inflammation.
Graves’ Disease
Swollen lids may be caused by an auto-immune disorder known as Graves’ disease. It causes the immune system to attack the thyroid, which may cause puffy eyelids, pressure behind the eyes, double vision, and vision loss. If Graves’ disease is the cause, you will need immediate medical attention.
Contact Lenses
If you’re one of millions of people who wear contact lenses and feel they cause your eyes to swell, you may want to consider Lasik. Learn how Will Vision and Laskik Centers in Portland can help improve or maintain your vision.
Schedule a virtual consultation (opens in new tab), or call Will Vision at (877) 542-3937 to learn more.