What Causes Eyelid Swelling? How to Pass?

Eyelid swelling is a common condition and can be seen in people of all ages. The lids usually swell as a result of inflammation, injuries, allergic substances and impacts in the relevant area. It is a disease that can be treated in a short time with the help of cold compress applications, rest and drops used with the doctor's recommendation.

Eyelid; These are tissues consisting of sebaceous glands, sweat glands, tear glands and eyelashes. Inflammation, fluid accumulation or other reasons occurring here may be a factor in eyelid swelling. Swelling may occur only on one side or may occur on both sides simultaneously. It may affect one or both sides of the lower or upper eyelid.

What is Eyelid Swelling?

Eyelid swelling occurs due to fluid accumulation or inflammation in the connective tissues around the eye. Eyelid swelling is a common condition. Because the thin structure in the eyelid is less than 1 millimeter thick, sensitive and loose. Eyelid swelling is considered a symptom, not a disease. Since it is not a disease in itself, it is important to determine which factors cause it in order to apply the correct treatment.

Sometimes it may be caused by simpler reasons such as crying or rubbing, and sometimes it may occur as a result of an infection or allergy. Apart from these, it may also be a sign of more serious health problems such as cancer and hyperthyroidism.

The symptoms of eyelid swelling is a disorder that can be cured with eye drops, pomades, solutions and washing shampoos used with the recommendation of a doctor and often does not cause permanent damage. However, in some rare cases, this disorder may progress and require a longer treatment period.

What are the eyelid conditions that require consultation with a doctor?

Eyelid swelling will usually go away on its own within 1 day if there is no underlying disease. However, if it does not go away within 24 to 48 hours and if this condition is accompanied by other medical symptoms, urgent help must be sought. The following conditions along with eyelid swelling require urgent help:

• High fever
• Visual impairment
• No movement or abnormal movements of the eye
• Protrusion of the eye
• Swollen tongue and throat
• Breathing difficulties difficulty in vomiting
• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Confusion

What Causes Eyelid Swelling?

Due to its structure, the eyelid is sensitive to allergens, bacteria, viruses and impacts and swells easily. Swelling here also occurs due to lack of sleep and fatigue. People's long periods of sleep deprivation and intense work tempo can cause swelling in the eyelids. Apart from these, swelling of the eyelid may also occur in some disease states.

Some of the medical conditions that generally cause eyelid swelling are as follows:

• Conjunctivitis: Conjunctivitis is a bacterial infection of the eye. It is a condition of infection due to exposure to viruses or allergens. Conjunctivitis may cause the formation of pus or a sticky structure in the eyelashes and surrounding tissues.
• Stye: Stye is a disorder that occurs as a result of the blockage of the sebaceous gland in the eyelid. After this situation, the eye may become sore and sensitive to light, and a small lump may form and appear swollen and red.
• Blepharitis: Blepharitis is an inflammation of the eyelids. In blepharitis both eyes and the edges of the lids are affected. Swelling, redness, itching, and burning, stinging, and bloodshot eyes may occur in the eyelids. Blepharitis can be chronic; However, it is a disorder that does not cause permanent damage.
• Chalazion: Chalazion is the formation of a cyst on the lid. Many factors can cause chalazion; However, not paying attention to hygiene can cause this discomfort. Small, painless bumps form on the chalazion and usually disappear on their own within a few weeks. However, in cases that do not last for a long time or are repeated, chalazion surgery may be required.
• Eye Cellulitis: This condition is also called orbital cellulitis and is a disorder characterized by infection around the eye socket. This condition causes the eyelids and their surroundings to become thin, sensitive and swollen.
• Eczema: Various types of eczema affecting the lids; It may cause dryness, itching, redness and swelling. Eczema occurring in these areas may develop as a result of environmental triggers, allergens and irritation.
• Ocular Herpes: Ocular herpes, also known as eye herpes, is an infectious disease caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). In this disease, the cornea, the transparent front layer of the eye, is affected. Ocular herpes can cause swelling and inflammation of the eyelids, pain, redness, and mucus discharge.
• Graves Disease: Graves' disease (toxic goiter) is an immune system disease caused by excessive production of thyroid hormones. The swelling of the eyelid that can be seen in Graves' disease occurs when the immune system attacks the associated tissues and muscles. In this case, the eyelids retract and the eyes may appear large and bulging.
• Eye Cancer: eye cancer that can cause swelling in the eyelids and eyes. is one of the rare cases. This type of cancer may occur when cancer cells become involved in the small blood vessels in the choroidal layer. This condition may cause results such as eyelid swelling and pain, as well as vision loss.
• Lupus: Lupus is a rheumatological disease that can affect different organs in the body, including the eyes, as a result of inflammation of the connective tissue. It may cause swelling as a result of inflammation of the connective tissue in the valves.

What Are Other Factors That Cause Eyelid Swelling?

Eyelid swelling may occur in some conditions other than medical conditions. Some of those situations can be listed as follows:

• Lack of sleep and fatigue
• Foreign object in the eye penetration or stinging
• Allergenic substances (pollens, dust, chemical-containing cleaners, make-up materials, etc.)
• Insect bite
• Trauma, injury or blows
• Phone, tablet, television, computer, etc. looking at screens too much
• Rubbing eyes with unclean hands

How to Treat Eyelid Swelling?

In case of eyelid swelling, it is necessary to consult a doctor and have an eye examination to determine the cause and the correct treatment methods. In case of eyelid swelling complaints, some medications can be used with the doctor's recommendation to reduce the symptoms. Antibiotic and steroid-containing drugs for infections that cause swelling in the eyelids; Medicines containing painkillers and artificial tears can be used for pain, stinging and dryness. These medications may be in the form of drops, ointments, gels, solutions or oral medications.

In addition to drug treatments, this disorder can also be cured by some methods that can be applied at home. In case of eyelid swelling, some of the home methods to reduce symptoms and ensure general eye hygiene are as follows:

• Compress Application: It may be useful to apply cold compresses to reduce eyelid swelling and relieve redness and itching. Ice blocks, soaked gauze or cold gel bags can be used when applying cold compresses.
• Eye Cleaning: Removing oil, dirt and other foreign substances from the lids is important for eye care. For this reason, baby shampoos or specially produced eye shampoos can be used while cleaning. Apart from these, the lids can be cleaned with gentle movements using warm water and cotton.
• Moisturization: The lids may become dry and sensitive after cleaning or due to fatigue. For this purpose, artificial tear drops sold in pharmacies with or without a prescription can be used.
• Resting the Eyes: Resting the eyes is one of the important methods to heal swollen eyelids. For this, it may be necessary to stay away from screen lights that tire the eyes and to take a break from the use of products such as contact lenses, make-up and false eyelashes. It is also important to avoid direct sunlight to give the eye a rest. Wearing polarized sunglasses when going out in the sun can help protect your eyes.