Swollen upper eyelid: Causes, treatment and prevention

Swollen eyelids can have many causes. Most are not serious, but the symptoms may be due to a medical condition. Eyelid oedema, or swelling of the eyelids, is an abnormal accumulation of fluid that can be caused by allergies, infections or medical conditions.

Depending on the cause, symptoms may affect one or both eyes. In some cases, a swollen eyelid can be treated with home remedies, such as a cold compress with chamomile to relieve the symptoms. However, a visit to a healthcare professional is recommended to rule out other serious conditions or to treat an infection.

What happens when the upper eyelid is swollen?

A swollen eyelid develops due to fluid accumulation or inflammation of the connective tissue surrounding the eye. Swollen eyes may or may not hurt, and this condition can affect both the upper and lower eyelid. When it is not a serious pathological cause, swollen upper eyelid can be treated at home for the most common causes.

A family doctor or ophthalmologist can identify the cause of the swollen upper eyelid and recommend the most appropriate treatment in each case.

Why does the upper eyelid swell?

There are many causes of swollen upper eyelids, ranging from the mildest to those that can be dangerous to eyesight or even general health.

What disease causes swelling of the eyelids? Here we explain the causes that can lead to swelling or oedema (excess fluid) in the connective tissues surrounding the eye:

• Blepharitis: is a disease of the eyelids that causes redness, thickening and crusting of the eyelids and eyelashes.
• Chalazion: a small, painless, firm lump that forms on the eyelid due to a blocked oil gland. Also known as an eyelid cyst.
• Allergies: agents such as dust or pollen can trigger the release of histamine which causes the eyelid to swell.
• Contact lens wear: can cause infections if not disinfected properly.
• Conjunctivitis: an inflammation of the conjunctiva, which covers the white part of the eye and the inside of the eyelid.
• Herpes ocularis: This is caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). Treatment will depend on the severity of the infection and the part of the eye affected.
• Graves’ disease is an autoimmune disease that causes the thyroid gland to produce too much thyroid hormone.
• Orbital and periorbital cellulitis are infections that affect the tissue and skin surrounding the eye, but differ in the area of the eye affected and the severity of the infection.
• Stye: a red, tender bump that forms on the eyelid due to a bacterial infection in a sebaceous gland. They can appear on the inside or outside of the upper or lower eyelid, near the base of an eyelash.

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What are the symptoms of a swollen upper eyelid?

Swelling or inflammation of the eyelids is a symptom that comes from an underlying cause, such as an allergy or an infection. It is normal for upper eyelid swelling to occur with some of these symptoms:

• Light sensitivity.
• Eye irritation, itching or stinging.
• Redness of the eyelid or the white part of the eye.
• Pain (in case of infection).
• Ocular discharge.
• Obstruction of vision.
• Excessive tear production.
• Dryness or flaking of the eyelid.

What to do when you have a swollen upper eyelid?

If you are wondering what is good for upper eyelid swelling, it depends on what is causing it. Your doctor or specialist will determine the most appropriate treatment in each case. Here are the most common treatments:

• Infection (conjunctivitis, herpes, etc.): antibiotics, antiviral ointment or eye drops.
• For allergy: oral allergy medication or antihistamine eye drops.

In addition to possible medications prescribed by your doctor, there are other guidelines and tools to help you reduce upper eyelid puffiness – General guidelines to reduce puffy upper eyelid swelling:

• Put a cold compress over the eyes.
• Stop wearing contact lenses until the swelling of the eyelid goes down.
• Do not rub your eyes.

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How to prevent the upper eyelid from swelling?

1. Choose fragrance-free and hypoallergenic beauty products.
2. Perform tests to identify possible allergies.
3. If you use eye drops, choose one that does not contain preservatives.
4. If you wear contact lenses, you must maintain proper hygiene, both in your hands and in the case where they are kept.

When to worry about a swollen eye? When to see a doctor

It is important to visit your doctor for an eye examination if you experience any of the following problems with swollen eyelids:

• Symptoms persist for more than 48 hours.
• Eye movement is hindered.
• Eyelid swelling does not go away with home remedies.
• The discomfort does not go away or intensifies.
• Small lumps appear in the area of the swollen eyelid.
• Vision worsens or changes.
• Black spots appear and may even move in the vision.

Swollen upper eyelid: pay attention to this symptom in order to find a solution

Home remedies can help reduce swelling of the upper eyelid. Putting a cold compress or tea bag over the eye can help relieve swelling.

However, if the inflammation does not improve within a few days, it is advisable to see a doctor to determine a diagnosis and the most appropriate treatment.