How long does eyelid swelling last

When using eye drops, look for preservative-free eye drops. Preservatives in regular eye drops slow down bacterial growth, but some people may be allergic to these preservatives. If you wear contact lenses, you can curb your risk of eyelid swelling by practicing proper hygiene.

Always wash your hands before inserting or taking out contacts. Frequent replacement of your contact lenses and contact lens case are also part of proper hygiene.

A: The most common reasons you may wake up with swollen eyelids every morning are eye allergies, sleeping in your makeup and fluid retention:. Contact with allergens — such as dust and pet dander — can cause your eyelids to appear puffy in the morning.

Sleeping in eye makeup can cause skin irritation called contact dermatitis, which may lead to swollen eyelids. Lying flat on your back or face down as you sleep can cause fluids to pool and settle around the cheeks and eyes. This can make eyelids appear puffy or swollen when you wake. A: Dry swollen eyelids can be caused by eyelid dermatitis , a non-contagious skin condition that affects the eyelids.

Blepharitis, inflammation of the eyelids, may also cause them to be dry and swollen. If you experience dry swollen eyelids consistently, you should see an eye doctor. A: The term "puffy eyes" doesn't mean the same thing as "swollen eyelids. Swollen eyelids, or swelling around the eyes, is an inflammatory response to allergies, infection or injury. Eyelid swelling can happen with just one eye or both eyes. Eye puffiness is usually related to lack of sleep, age-related sagging of tissue and general water retention.

If you have puffy eyes, it will typically affect both eyes. Be sure to visit your doctor for an eye exam if you experience any of the following issues along with your swollen eyelids:.

A physician or eye doctor will give you a medical diagnosis and the most effective treatment. A referral to an ophthalmologist may be needed if the cause of the swollen eyelid is severe enough. Differential Diagnosis of the Swollen Red Eyelid. A stye is a common painful eyelid problem, where a small infection forms at the base of an eyelash, which becomes swollen and red, along with the surrounding edge of the eyelid. It looks like a pus-filled spot. However, the infection and inflammation often spread back into the lid to make the whole eyelid swollen.

It is usually red, as well as swollen, and can sometimes feel slightly sore. Learn more about stye infections. An ectropion occurs when part or all of the lower eyelid turns outwards away from the eye. An entropion occurs where the lower eyelid turns in towards the eye, causing the eyelashes to rub against the front of the eye. The eyelids can occasionally become inflamed and a little swollen, although this is not usually dramatic, and they are not usually red or sore. Read more detail about ectropion and entropion.

Blepharitis means inflammation of the eyelids. It makes the eyes and eyelids feel sore and gritty. They are often puffy, pink-red, and a little swollen, particularly along the lid edges. Blepharitis can be a troublesome and recurring condition, sometimes associated with other skin conditions such as rosacea and seborrhoeic dermatitis.

Find out more about blepharitis. Conjunctivitis is inflammation or infection of the conjunctiva, which is the smooth, shiny, translucent membrane that covers the white of the eye sclera and the underside of the eyelids.

It can be caused by allergies and sensitivities for example, to products put on to the eye , or by infection. The main symptoms of conjunctivitis are redness of the eye, and a feeling of grittiness and mild soreness.

As conjunctivitis affects the underside of the eyelids, it can make the eyelids puffy and a little red, either because the infection spreads into the eyelid or because the eyelid becomes inflamed or reacts in an allergic manner due to the infection. See the separate leaflets called Allergic Conjunctivitis and Infective Conjunctivitis.

Any infection in the skin of the eyelid will tend to cause marked swelling, with redness, itching and soreness. Infection can also spread to the eyelids from other parts of the face. Infections of the skin include cellulitis , impetigo and erysipelas , which are different types of skin infection affecting different levels of the skin.

You are more likely to develop a skin infection if the integrity of your skin is broken for some reason. This might include an insect bite, an injury, or another condition affecting the skin close to the eye, such as eczema , chickenpox or shingles. Sinusitis is usually caused by bacterial or viral infection, although it may also be caused by allergy. Sinusitis affecting the sinuses just beneath the eyes can cause puffiness around the eyes, affecting the eyelids.

The eyelids are not usually red, sore or itchy. See the separate leaflet called Sinusitis. Allergies occur when your body reacts to a foreign substance called an allergen by producing chemicals which cause swelling, redness and itching. In the eyelid the swelling caused by allergic reaction can be quite dramatic, since the eyelid tissue is stretchy and also tends to be quite 'reactive' to allergic stimuli. Warm compresses, careful removal of any eye makeup, and eyelid scrubs may help.

An ophthalmologist or optometrist may prescribe an antibiotic ointment. Sometimes, blepharitis leads to a more severe infection. If a blepharitis outbreak is worse than previous ones, or if the pain is intense, contact an eye doctor. When a tear duct is blocked, the eye cannot fully drain tears, which results in pain and redness on the eyelid.

People with blocked eyelids may also notice crusty drainage. Their eyes may be sealed shut upon waking. Newborns and infants are especially vulnerable to blocked tear ducts. Symptoms often improve by the time they are 1 year old. In most cases, a blocked tear duct is annoying but not harmful. Warm compresses can ease swelling and help the tear duct drain. Try gently massaging the area to reduce pressure and drain the duct. A blocked tear duct can sometimes become infected.

If the eyelid is very painful, or if a person develops a fever, they should seek prompt care. The infection may need antibiotics. If blocked tear ducts do not clear up, a doctor may need to perform a medical procedure to open it.

People with pink eye usually have pink or red eyeballs and may experience pain, itching, and swollen eyelids. The most common form of conjunctivitis is a viral infection that clears up on its own after days.

However, a bacterial infection can also cause conjunctivitis. Occasionally, allergies or irritants such as perfume irritate the eye, causing conjunctivitis. If symptoms get worse, the pain becomes severe, or the pink eye does not clear up in a few days, the doctor may prescribe antibiotics. Read the article in Spanish. Foods rich in certain nutrients can have a powerful effect on eye health.

Read about 10 foods for healthy eyes, other eye health tips, and warning…. Learn all about the different types of bump that can appear on the eyelids. This article examines their causes and treatment options. Getting an object stuck in the eye is a common problem. A severe life-threatening allergic reaction. Triggered by foods, drugs and bee stings. Serious symptoms such as trouble breathing or swallowing occur. Hives are almost always present.

Swelling of Eye: Clues to the Cause Swelling of 1 eye is often due to an insect bite. Mosquito bites are a common cause. It can also be from an irritant e. Suspect mosquito bites if there are bites on other parts of the body. Insect bites of the upper face can cause the eyelid to swell. This can last for a few days. With insect bites, the swelling can be pink as well as large. Large swelling is common for ages years.

Swelling of both eyes is usually due to pollen that's airborne. This includes tree, grass or weed pollen. These pollens float in the air and can travel hundreds of miles.

Itching also makes the swelling worse. Swelling of the face is usually due to allergic reactions to swallowed substances. Examples are foods or medicines.