Waking up to a swollen eyelid can be both alarming and uncomfortable. This common issue can disrupt your day and cause significant concern, especially if you’re unsure of the underlying cause. There are several possible reasons why your eyelid might be swollen and hurt when you blink, including infections like styes or conjunctivitis, allergies that trigger inflammation, or even something as simple as rubbing your eyes too vigorously.
Fortunately, you don’t have to figure it out on your own. Your optometrist can examine your symptoms and suggest the correct treatment. It all starts with a call!
Causes of Swollen Eyelids
Swollen eyelids can be quite alarming, especially when accompanied by pain. This condition occurs when there is inflammation or excess fluid in the tissues around your eyes. Swelling can impact both the upper and lower eyelids and may cause discomfort, redness, and tenderness depending on the specific cause.
You might also notice that your eyelid feels warm to the touch or that your vision is somewhat blurred because of the swelling.
The pain you feel when blinking is often due to the inflamed tissues rubbing against each other, causing irritation. Sometimes, swollen eyelids are a minor annoyance, but in other cases, they can signal a more serious underlying issue. To accurately diagnose the cause of your swollen eyelid, your optometrist will conduct a thorough eye exam. We may ask about your medical history, lifestyle, and any recent activities that could have affected your eyes.
We can also do tests by examining your eyelid with a special microscope or swabbing the area to check for bacterial infections.
Styes or Chalazia
One of the most common causes of swollen eyelids is infections. These can include bacterial infections such as styes or chalazia. Styes are small, painful lumps on the edge of the eyelid caused by infected oil glands. When they occur on the inside of the eyelid, they can rub against the eye and cause pain when you blink.
Chalazia are very similar to styes, but they’re larger lumps that occur when these glands are blocked but not infected.
Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis)
Pink eye, also known as conjunctivitis, is a common cause of swollen eyelids. It occurs when the conjunctiva—the thin, transparent tissue that lines the inside of the eyelid and covers the white part of the eyeball—becomes inflamed. Pink eye can be caused by bacterial or viral infections, allergies, or irritants like smoke and chemicals.
Bacterial or viral conjunctivitis is highly contagious and can spread easily through contact with the infected eye’s discharge. To prevent spreading it, maintain good hygiene, avoid touching your eyes, and wash your hands frequently.
Eye Allergies
Though technically another form of conjunctivitis, eye allergies tend to stand on their own. They’re not contagious like other conjunctivitis types but are no less frustrating to experience.
Allergic reactions occur when your body is exposed to an allergen and your immune system overreacts, releasing histamines that cause itchy, red, and swollen eyelids.
Common allergens to avoid include:
- Pollen
- Dust mites
- Pet dander
Typically, your best bet is to avoid your allergen trigger, though antihistamines can help you find relief.
Injuries
Just like getting hit in the arm can cause it to swell, physical injury to the eye can also result in swelling and pain. This might happen due to eye trauma from an accident, but rubbing your eyes too hard could also damage them. This could be because you’d accidentally scratched your cornea, but there is some evidence that eye rubbing can cause the cornea to thin and bulge, a condition called keratoconus.
Treatment Options for Swollen Eyelids
At-home treatments can be highly effective for mild cases, especially if they’re not due to an infection. Apply a cool compress to your eyelid to help reduce swelling and alleviate pain. You can even use chilled black tea bags since the caffeine helps reduce swelling! Over-the-counter antihistamines can be useful if allergies are the culprit. In the meantime, keep the affected eye clean and avoid touching or rubbing it to prevent further irritation.
In more severe cases, or when your symptoms last longer than a day or two, you should seek professional medical help immediately. Your optometrist might prescribe antibiotic ointments or drops if a bacterial infection is present. For allergic reactions, we may recommend stronger antihistamines or corticosteroids. In some instances, you could need minor surgical procedures to drain a chalazion or remove a stye.
Prevention & When to Seek Help
Preventing swollen eyelids involves a combination of good hygiene and proactive measures. Always wash your hands before touching your face, especially your eyes. Remove makeup thoroughly before bed, and avoid sharing eye cosmetics with others. If you have allergies, try to avoid known triggers and consider using air purifiers to reduce allergens in your home.
If you experience severe pain, vision changes, or if the swelling persists beyond a few days, it’s time to see an optometrist. Persistent or recurring swelling can indicate underlying issues that require specialized care.
Get Back to Feeling Like Yourself
Swollen eyelids can be uncomfortable and concerning, especially when they hurt every time you blink. Remember, maintaining good eye hygiene and seeking professional help when needed are essential steps to supporting your eye health.
If you’re experiencing persistent or severe symptoms, don’t wait until they get worse. Griffin Optometric Group San Clemente has the knowledge and tools to address your symptoms at the root. Schedule an appointment today to get the personalized care you need. Your eyes are vital to your daily life—take care of them well!
