Swollen eye usually occurs when areas near your eyes are filled with liquids. As a result, your eyes may turn puffy and swollen. Such eye conditions can show-up when you are not getting needful sleep. There are also instances wherein infectious conditions and injuries / infections can make your eyes to swell. Swelling of eyelids is actually a sign of an underlying problem; it is not a medical condition by itself. What is the fastest way to treat a swollen eyelid? It helps to know this.
Your eyelid has a very complex tissue; it has sweat glands, tear glands, eyelashes and sebaceous (glands that make oil) tissues which can easily turn inflammatory. This makes way to swelling of your eyelids. Eyelids have many other tasks to do i.e., more that what you think they are there for.
For instance, eyelid help keeping sweat off your eyes; enable reflexive actions when sharper substances or insects come closer; ensure pollen-grains and dust from entering; have your eyes well-lubricated by distributing fluids all around and also prevent eyes from drying-up when you sleep.
Typical causes for swollen eyelids include entry of allergens, clogging of sebaceous or oil-producing glands in eyelids as well as conditions like conjunctivitis. You may also witness your eyelids getting swollen because of infections of eyelids’ skin, shingles, swelling of your body due to renal problems, clotting of blood at the root of your brain.
Swollen lower eyelid
Swelling of your lower eyelid can occur because of trauma / injury or an infection. When you take excessive amounts of salty foods, it can lead to fluid retention inside your body. Excessive fluids may soon lead to puffing-up your facial organs as well as eyelids. You can eat foods rich in potassium to balance the sodium level (salt). Your dietician may advise you the foods like apricots, bananas, potatoes, yogurts etc. In general, it can be harmful to take more than 1,400 milligrams (mg) of sodium within a 24-hour timeline.
Crying can also make liquids to be collected near the eyes, but this can go off on with the passing of time. Moreover, if you are living / working in a toxic environment – filled with smoke, pollutants or chemicals, you may witness a swollen lower eyelid. In such cases you may consider using decongestants, antihistamine meds or over-the-counter eye drops.
Why is my upper eyelid swollen?
Your upper eyelid may turn inflammatory due to sty or chalazion. This makes a bump inside your eyelid and this causes swelling of the upper eyelid. This can also lead to a painful condition and can turn your eyes red. A condition called cellulitis is infectious and can cause swelling of your upper eyelid(s). You may also experience doubling of vision or other eyesight-related discomfort and you may find it difficult to move your eyelids as well as eyes in a normal manner.
Eye drops for allergies, also known as antihistamine eye drops, can effectively reduce symptoms like itchy, watery eyes. They work by blocking histamine, a substance your body makes during an allergic reaction. Always check the label for usage instructions and potential side effects. Consult with a healthcare provider to ensure they are appropriate for your specific allergy needs.
What is the fastest way to treat a swollen eyelid?
The fastest way to treat a swollen eyelid is to rinse the affected eye / eyelid with saline solutions; or you can use a compress made of cold napkin or a cloth which can also help you a lot. You are advised to keep your head at an elevated level during night time. This enables a reduction in retention of fluids.
You can also try using anti-histamine drugs if your eyelids are swollen due to entry of allergens like mites, pollen and dust. The underlying cause of swelling determines how long it is likely to persist. If you suspect allergens as a likely cause, it is highly recommended to remain indoors.
On the other hand, if crying has led to swelling of eyelid(s), you can wash your face before going to bed. If you experience blurring of vision, painful eyes or difficulties in moving your eyes, seek medical support on an emergency mode.
Disclaimer
Information provided here are only of supplementary nature. Information shared here does not substitute a qualified doctor’s advice. This website is not suggesting intake of this drug as safe or appropriate. Hence it is advised to talk to your doctor before consuming this med or any other drug.
Education: Master’s in Nursing (MSN) from Johns Hopkins University. Experience: 7 years writing for online health portals and nursing journals, specializing in patient education and chronic illness management.
