A swollen eyelid is a common condition that could affect your eyes. There are various causes of swollen eyelids which include allergies, fluid retention, eye injuries and eye infections. Swollen eyelids could be a symptom of severe, possibly sight-threatening difficulties, like Graves’ disease, orbital cellulitis, and ocular herpes. You may experience swelling in either one or both the eyelids. It is not necessary that the swelling will always be accompanied by pain.
Symptoms of swollen eyelids
Besides, the change in the physical appearance of the eyelids, there are other common symptoms of swollen eyelids:
- Eye irritation; a scratchy sensation
- Photophobia or light sensitivity
- Watery eyes
- Obstructed vision
- Red eyelids
- Inflamed eyelids
- Eye discharge
- Eyelid dryness
- Pain
Are you experiencing any of these symptoms? If you do, it may be a sign of underlying eye disease. Disha Eye Hospitals houses one of the best team of eye specialists in Kolkata who could guide the patients in managing the symptoms of swollen eyelids. Visit http://www.dishaeye.org/ to know more about the services.
Causes of a swollen eyelid
1) Conjunctivitis
Conjunctivitis, also known as the pink eye, is an eye infection which is accompanied with inflammation on the conjunctiva (a lining of the surface of the eye). Bacterial, viral and allergic nature of pink eye can lead to swollen eyelids. Some other symptoms may include red, itchy and watery eyes.
2) Styes
Usually developing as an enlarged, reddish lump at the end of the eyelid, styes are caused by viruses, bacterial infection, and infection on the meibomian gland. Eye swelling may take place when these oil-producing glands are blocked. In some cases, a stye can cause the whole eyelid to swell.
3) Eye injuries
Any trauma or eye injury around, in, or the back of the eye may lead to swollen eyelids. Stated are some of the triggers of eye injuries which may lead to swollen eyelids:
- dirty contact lenses
- damaged contact lenses
4) Blepharitis
Blepharitis is commonly known as the inflammation of the eyelids. They usually occur due to the malfunctioning of oil gland. Blepharitis may lead to swollen, puffy and painful eyelids that may be accompanied by loss of eyelashes and dandruff-like flaky eyelid skin.
5) Periorbital cellulitis
This implies a moderately widespread infection including soreness of the eye and parts of the skin encompassing the eye. The disease may be induced by bacteria, microorganisms or additional pathogens.
Periorbital cellulitis is further known as preseptal cellulitis as the affected area remains anterior to the orbital septum (a sheet-like like tissue which forms the hard, tough back part of the eyelids).
6) Orbital cellulitis
This signifies an uncommon but severe bacterial infection of the membranes surrounding the eyelids, leading to extreme swelling of the top and bottom eyelid, and maybe the cheek and eyebrow. Additional symptoms involve decreased vision, fever, bulging eyes and eye pain while moving the eyes.
Schedule an eye check-up to keep your eyes healthy
If you are facing problems like blurred vision, swollen eyelids, and bulging eyes, book an appointment at Disha Eye Hospitals. Disha’s team of eye surgeons in Kolkata are some of the best in the city, experienced in treating various eye problems whether minor or major. Visit http://www.dishaeye.org/ to know more about Disha Eye Hospitals.