Swollen Eyelids
Swollen eyelids can be uncomfortable and affect your appearance. Whether it's due to allergies, fluid retention, or irritation, we have the right treatment to soothe and restore your eyes.
What are Swollen Eyelids?
A swollen eye develops because of fluid accumulation from inflammation in the connective tissue around the eye. Swollen eyes may or may not cause discomfort, and this condition can impact both the upper and lower eyelids.
Swelling eyelids can vary from minor to severe and can have various underlying reasons. In certain situations, they might indicate a more serious health issue that could lead to vision impairment. For common causes, you can manage it at home. However, if the swelling is severe or persistent, it is important to seek medical attention to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment.
Causes of Swollen Eyelids
Eye Infections
Bacterial or viral infections in or around the eye can lead to inflammation, redness, and significant swelling of the eyelids.
Styes
Painful red lumps on the eyelid, caused by blocked oil glands or bacterial infections, often result in swelling.
Crying
Prolonged crying can cause fluid retention in the tissues around the eye, leading to swollen and puffy eyelids.
Eye Injuries
Trauma or direct impact near the eye can cause swelling as the body responds to the injury with inflammation.
Allergies
Exposure to allergens like pollen, dust, or pet dander can cause an allergic reaction, leading to swollen, itchy eyelids.
Eyelid Dryness
Flaking or excessively dry skin on the eyelids can result in irritation, causing the eyelid to swell and appear inflamed.
Cysts
Fluid-filled cysts or bumps that develop on the eyelid can create noticeable swelling and discomfort in the affected area.
Blepharitis
Inflammation at the base of the eyelashes, often caused by bacteria or skin conditions, results in swelling and redness of the eyelid.
Chalazia
A chalazion, a healed internal stye, forms a lump on the eyelid, often causing persistent swelling and tenderness.
Conjunctivitis
Also known as pink eye, this inflammation of the conjunctiva can cause the eyelid to swell, become irritated, and reddened.
Cellulitis
Orbital or periorbital cellulitis, a serious bacterial infection, can cause severe swelling, redness, and pain around the eyes.
Graves Disease
This autoimmune disorder affects the thyroid, often causing swollen eyelids and bulging eyes due to hormone imbalances.
Fluid Retention
Excess fluid in the body, commonly from lack of sleep or poor diet, can result in puffy and swollen eyelids.
Ocular Herpes
A viral infection affecting the eye, ocular herpes, can cause painful swelling, redness, and discomfort in the eyelid region.
Infraorbital Filler
Fillers injected under the eyes to reduce hollowness can sometimes cause temporary swelling. This may occur due to product placement, fluid retention, or the body's natural response to the injection.
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Treatments for Swollen Eyelids
Eyelid Lumps and Bumps RemovalThis treatment effectively removes unsightly growths like styes and chalazions, reduces swelling with no visible scars, and provides immediate results and restored comfort.Learn more
Morpheus8Morpheus8 is a non-surgical, RF microneedling treatment that tightens the skin, improving texture, fine lines, and swelling. Safe for all skin tones, with minimal downtime and long-lasting results.Learn more
Chalazion RemovalChalazion removal is a quick and scar-free procedure that provides instant relief from eyelid lumps and swelling. It is performed under local anaesthesia, ensuring a smooth recovery with minimal downtime.Learn more
Meet the Expert: Dr Sabrina Shah-Desai
MS, FRCS (Ed) Ophth
Dr Sabrina Shah-Desai, MS, FRCS (Ed) Ophth is a multi-award-winning Oculoplastic Reconstructive Surgeon and Aesthetic Practitioner specialising in reconstructive, revisional, and cosmetic surgery of the eyelids, as well as non-surgical treatments for the eyes and face. With 25 years of surgical and 17 years of non-surgical experience, she is globally recognised for her pioneering, minimally invasive techniques.
Named in Tatler’s Beauty & Cosmetic Surgery Guide every year since 2019, she is known as the “go-to” surgeon for discerning patients seeking subtle, natural results, and is highly sought after for revisional procedures by those who have undergone previous fillers or eyelid surgeries.
- Listed on the Royal College of Surgeons of England register of Board-Certified Cosmetic Surgeons
- Listed in Tatler’s Beauty & Cosmetic Surgery Guide as a top practitioner for eyes, eight consecutive years, 2019-2026
- 25 years of surgical and 17 years of non-surgical experience
Frequently asked questions
Call or email us today, we would be delighted to answer your questions.
Home remedies for reducing swollen eyes include:
- Using a cold compress.
- Using cucumber slices.
- Using tea bags.
- Using an eye roller.
- Applying a face and eye cream.
- Experimenting with gentle massage.
- Making dietary changes.
- Symptoms of swollen eyes include eye irritation, such as an itchy or scratchy feeling, sensitivity to light (photophobia), excess tear production leading to watery eyes, obstructed vision depending on the extent of the swelling, redness of the eyelid, red eyes and inflammation of the conjunctiva, eye discharge, dryness or flaking of the eyelid, and soreness, especially in the case of an infection.
- Puffy eyes and swollen eyelids are different. Swollen eyelids happen because of allergies, infection, or injury. Puffy eyes can result from lack of sleep, ageing, or water retention. Eyelid swelling can affect one or both eyes, while puffy eyes usually affect both.
- Most of the time, swelling around the eyes goes down in a few days. Here are some things you can try to help reduce the swelling: wash or rinse your eyes. If there's discharge causing the swelling, try rinsing your eyes with water.
- If a severe condition is causing your eye to swell, it could lead to permanent damage if left untreated. It's important to contact a doctor right away if you're experiencing severe symptoms with a swollen eye.
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