Having swollen eyelids is relatively common and can be due to different causes.
In most cases, it’s not a serious problem. However, sometimes it can be the result of an eye condition or a condition affecting other parts of the body.
Swollen eyelids, also known as palpebral edema, usually cause aesthetic discomfort.
However, it can sometimes be painful and accompanied by itching, redness, and dryness, as well as other symptoms.
These will depend on the cause. Depending on the cause, there may also be red eyes ( an eye discharge or swollen and dilated blood vessels), inflammation of the conjunctiva (the white part of the eye), and watery eyes and tearing.
Other possible symptoms include blurred vision and photophobia (sensitivity to light). There may also be discharge or excessive discharge.
This swelling may be present in one or both eyelids.
Causes of eyelid swelling
Having swollen eyelids can affect the proper functioning of this part of the body.
That is, protecting the eye from external agents and distributing the tear across the entire ocular surface when blinking.
Therefore, it is important to determine why your eyelids swell and try to prevent it.
The following are the most common causes of eyelid edema.
- Fatigue
Having swollen eyelids upon waking is common and is generally due to tiredness and lack of sleep.
Factors that are also often associated with stress, anxiety, and eye strain from screen use.
- Age
Over time, the skin around the eyes weakens. This can lead to bags and puffy lower eyelids, especially in the morning.
- Dry eye
Having a swollen upper eyelid upon waking is usually due to a lack of blinking while resting.
This causes dry eye syndrome in some people.
Typically, this eyelid swelling disappears when you begin blinking normally. For others, however, artificial tears may be necessary.
- Fluid retention
Another possible cause of swollen eyelids upon waking is fluid retention.
During rest, lymphatic circulation slows down, which can cause fluid to accumulate in the lower eyelids.
This swelling of the eyelids is also due to the retention of tear fluid.
When you get up, your body assumes an upright position, which helps restore lymphatic circulation. As a result, eyelid swelling diminishes over time.
Fatigue, age, and fluid retention are common causes of swollen eyelids.
- Allergic reaction
Eye allergies or allergic conjunctivitis can also manifest with swollen eyelids.
Any allergic reaction can cause eyelid edema and usually begins with itchy eyes.
In most cases, it tends to be accompanied by other symptoms in other parts of the body, including hives, runny nose, or wheezing.
- Conjunctivitis
Conjunctivitis is one of the most common eye conditions that can cause swelling of the eyelids.
This may be due to a viral or bacterial infection.
Beyond swollen eyelids, the most characteristic symptom of conjunctivitis is redness of the eyes, as well as an itching and burning sensation.
Another common symptom is excessive eye discharge upon waking.
If the infection also affects the eyelid, it is known as blepharoconjunctivitis. When this occurs, the swelling of the eyelid is usually greater.
- Blepharitis
Another common cause of eyelid inflammation is blepharitis . This condition occurs on the free edge where the eyelashes grow.
- Stye
Styes are another common reason for the upper and lower eyelids to swell.
These small pus-filled bumps appear when the oil glands near the base of the eyelashes become inflamed and infected.
The eyelid is red, and styes are often painful.
- Chalazion
Chalazions appear due to a blockage of the sebaceous glands near the edge of the eyelid.
So this is another possible reason why your upper or lower eyelids swell.
Chalazia is often accompanied by other symptoms such as eye redness, pain, and itching.
- Insect bites
An insect bite on the eyelids or around the eyes can also cause this area to become inflamed.
These are not usually serious, but it is important to know when to worry about a bite.
Other less common causes of swollen eyelids would include the following conditions.
- Ocular herpes
Swollen eyelids can be a warning sign of herpes on the eyes.
If so, they are often accompanied by other symptoms. The most characteristic feature is the presence of fluid-filled blisters on the eyelid and around the eyes.
There is also redness and inflammation of the conjunctiva and severe pain.
Herpes in the eye can be caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV) or the varicella-zoster virus.
These two viruses cause two of the most common skin infections in children. However, ocular herpes in children is rare.
This type of infection can have serious complications. Therefore, it’s important to see a specialist immediately if you suspect herpes in the eyes.
- Bacterial infection
A bacterial infection of the skin of the eyelids and around the eyes often causes significant inflammation in the area. This is known as preseptal or periorbital cellulitis.
Also, if the infection occurs inside the orbit, in the area around the eye and behind it (orbital cellulitis).
Both conditions present with swollen, red eyelids and fever. They usually affect only one eye.
In the case of orbital cellulitis, there is a bulging of the eye (bulging eyes) and severe pain.
There may also be double vision, inability, and/or pain when moving the eyes in certain directions, and loss of vision.
Cellulitis should be treated as soon as possible. Therefore, seek immediate medical attention if eyelid swelling is severe.
- Inflammatory diseases
Disorders that cause inflammation throughout the body can also manifest with eyelid edema.
The relationship between swollen eyelids and the kidneys is that they can occur due to kidney disease, including chronic kidney disease and nephrotic syndrome.
Heart or liver failure may also have swollen eyelids among its symptoms.
Likewise, in pregnant women, swelling in this area can be a warning sign of preeclampsia.
- Thyroid diseases
In severe cases, hypothyroidism can also manifest with swollen eyelids.
Graves’ disease, on the other hand, causes inflammation around the eyes, making them protrude.
- Cavernous sinus thrombosis
This is a very rare cause but can be serious, so it should be treated immediately.
Cavernous sinus thrombosis is the obstruction of a vein at the base of the brain by an infected blood clot.
It is characterized by swollen and droopy eyelids, rapidly bulging eyes, and visual disturbances. These include vision loss, impaired eye movements with double vision, and excessively dilated or unequal pupils.
There is also a severe headache, facial pain, drowsiness, and high fever.
Treatment of eyelid inflammation
Treatment for swollen eyelids will depend on the cause. Hence, it’s important to determine the source.
Sometimes the problem can disappear simply with lifestyle changes. Other times, it doesn’t have to be a serious condition, but it will require medical treatment.
It is critical to seek immediate medical attention if swollen eyelids are accompanied by double vision, sudden vision loss, bulging eyes, or fever.
How to prevent swollen eyelids
There are simple, everyday measures that can help prevent and improve eyelid inflammation.
- Maintain good eye hygiene . It’s important to remove eye makeup thoroughly, using high-tolerance products suitable for sensitive eyes. It’s also essential to maintain good eye hygiene to prevent eyelid inflammation , especially if you suffer from blepharitis or are prone to styes.
- Moisturize the eye area. The skin around this area of the body is the most delicate, which is why eyelid dermatitis is common. It’s important to moisturize the area with restorative creams.
- Relieve puffy eyelids. There are specific products to reduce puffiness and eyelid congestion. Cold compresses can also be applied as a home remedy.
- Be careful with eye makeup. It’s important not to share eye makeup to prevent infections. It should also be used as directed and discarded when indicated. It’s best to always choose high-tolerance makeup to prevent eye allergies.
- Treat dry eyes . If you have dry eyes, it’s important to start treatment for dry eyes and take preventive measures. One of these is to moderate your contact lens use, as dry eyes from contact lenses are common .
- Prevent eye fatigue. There’s growing evidence of the consequences of screen use on eye health. There’s also evidence of blue light from screens. Therefore, it’s important to protect your eyesight at work by taking regular breaks, blinking frequently, and avoiding working with monitors or screens that are malfunctioning or in poor condition.
- Combat fatigue. If swollen eyelids upon waking are due to fatigue, improving your rest will be key.
- Take care of your diet . Drinking enough water throughout the day can help reduce eyelid swelling. Also, limiting the amount of salt in your diet and alcohol consumption can prevent fluid retention. At the same time, there are foods and vitamins for your eyes that contribute to their health.