When Is A Swollen Eyelid An Emergency
In some cases, eyelid swelling is a symptom of a serious condition that requires immediate evaluation. Seek immediate medical care if you experience a swollen eyelid alongside any of the following symptoms:
- a sudden loss of vision
- eyelid swelling after head trauma
- anaphylaxis symptoms, which may include:
- swelling of the tongue, lips, or mouth
- wheezing or feeling as though your throat is tight
Got Allergies 6 Tips To Relieve Swollen Eyes
In need of some allergy relief for your eyes? When spring arrives, summer flowers bloom, and fall leaves hit the ground, count on allergens to be an integral part of the action.
And thats only on the outside. Inside, allergens run amok throughout the year, triggering allergy symptoms like coughing, sneezing, stuffy and runny nose and swollen eyes. Allergies can cause the eyes to swell and become red, itchy, watery,
The reason people have swollen eyes from allergies is theyre getting contact in the eyes from airborne allergies.
Basically, what happens is that when the allergens hit your eyes, they sort of dissolve in your tears. They have contact with the lining of the eye , and they react with antibodies that are bound to cells in your eyes. These antibodies cause the body to release histamine which also causes nasal congestion that often accompanies swollen eyes.
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The allergens doing this damage include outdoor allergens like pollen and molds and indoor allergens such as cat and dog allergens and indoor molds.
Remember, these are your eyes were talking about, so check with your doctor before you try any treatment.
Consider the following remedies to ease swollen eyes:
Talking To Your Eye Doctor
Write these question and get ready to ask the specialist before your appointment:
- What is the cause of my swollen eyelids?
- What are the things that aid in determining the cause?
- Does my medication cause the swelling? If it happens, what are the other medication I may attempt? What are the side effects of medications?
- What is the way to follow at home if my eyelid starts to swell?
- What products work best for eyelid swelling?
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How Bad Can Swollen Eyes Get
Eye allergies are also known as allergic conjunctivitis, but unlike other forms of conjunctivitis , eye allergies are not contagious, notes the American Academy of Ophthalmology . And eye allergies usually affect both eyes.
In addition to burning or teary, watery eyes, allergies may make you sensitive to light, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America . A runny nose, cough, or headache often go hand in hand with eye allergies. The AAFA also adds that your vision may be briefly blurry and you may feel distracted or sluggish and unproductive.
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What Are The Treatments And Home Remedies For Puffy Eyes
For normal puffy eyes that are not caused by other eye conditions, there are many ways to reduce the swelling. The following is a list of ways to treat puffy eyes:
- Wash face with ice cold water
- Ice or cold packs
- Increase vitamin and mineral intake
- Drink plenty of water to clean out your system
- If puffy eyes are caused by allergies, discontinue using the item that causes the allergic reaction doctors may also provide shots or prescribe medication
- Cream for puffy eyes: Try a soothing eye cream with aloe and Vitamin E also look into certain products such as Revitalume and Swanson Creams Vitamin K cream
- Eye masks to apply mild pressure to the eyelids at night
You may have noticed that common cucumber and tea bag treatment methods are not mentioned here. This is because these items are not recommended by eye care professionals. Cucumbers are over 90 percent water, and the rest is mainly inert fiber.
Although cucumbers do reduce puffy eyes, it is the coldness of the cucumber that does the trick, not the cucumber itself. Coldness is known to constrict blood vessels, which reduces the flow of fluid into soft tissues.
Eye care professionals recommend using a washcloth dipped in cold water, which has the same effect. The reason cucumbers are not recommended is that food sometimes contains bacteria. Putting a possible bacteria source directly onto the eyes can lead to eye infections. The same is true of tea bags.
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Why Do Allergies Cause Puffy Eyes
Allergies are triggered by exposure to certain environmental agents that are harmless to most peoples systems. However, for those with allergies, the immune system reacts defensively by releasing histamines into the bloodstream to fight these allergens. These histamines cause the blood vessels in the eye to become puffy and swollen.
Does Puffy Eyes Mean Kidney Problems
When the kidneys leak a large amount of protein in the urine, this can result in puffiness around the eyes. Puffiness in eyes is the result of the accumulation of toxins from impaired kidney function. This is a sign of water and salt retention because of the inability of kidneys to function properly.
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Eye Allergy Treatment And Tips
The best way to treat eye allergies is to mitigate exposure to the allergens causing the issue. This can be especially true if you have seasonal allergies. Try to limit time outdoors when pollen is at its peak, and clean your air filters in the fall and winter to help prevent cold-weather allergies.
When To See A Healthcare Provider
While your symptoms might clear up once you remove whatever’s causing them, you shouldn’t hesitate to seek medical help if certain concerning symptoms arise, experts warned.
If your eyeball, rather than your eyelid, is swollen, you should head to a doctor’s office immediately, Dr. Hajee said. Additionally, if your eyeball is in any pain, or if any area around the eye is in severe pain, that should prompt a visit to the doctor’s office too.
MedlinePlus adds that other symptomslike if your vision is affected or you have a severe headachealso warrant emergency medical treatment.
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How To Use Ketotifen Fumarate Drops
If you are using the over-the-counter product, read all directions on the product package before using this medication. If your doctor has prescribed this medication, use it exactly as directed.
Apply 1 drop to the affected eye as directed by the package instructions or your doctor, usually twice a day .
Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment.
To apply eye drops, wash your hands first. To avoid contamination, do not touch the dropper tip or let it touch your eye or any other surface.
Ask your doctor if you can wear contact lenses while you are being treated with this medication. If your doctor says you may continue wearing them, remove them before using the eye drops, and wait at least 10 minutes after each dose before putting in your lenses. Do not use this medication to treat irritation from contact lens wear. Consult your doctor about the use of contact lenses when the eyes are red or irritated.
Tilt your head back, look upward, and pull down the lower eyelid to make a pouch. Hold the dropper directly over your eye and apply 1 drop in the lower eyelid. Look downward and gently close your eyes for 1 to 2 minutes. Place one finger at the corner of your eye and apply gentle pressure. This will prevent the medication from draining out. Try not to blink and do not rub your eye.
Do not rinse the dropper. Replace the dropper cap after each use, and keep the bottle tightly closed.
The Difference Between Puffy And Swollen Eyelids
Many people may develop puffy eyes and think, at first, that their eyelids are swollen. There are some differences between puffy and swollen that are important to keep in mind, however.
Puffy eyes may be inherited, caused by a lack of sleep, or due to crying. Stress, fatigue, and allergies may all contribute to puffy eyes, which can obstruct your vision and become uncomfortable. Puffy eyes typically do not have other symptoms associated with them, however, and they can be safely treated at home.
You may go for a spa treatment and place cucumber slices over your eyes you may use a small amount of Preparation H to reduce swelling or you could take an antihistamine, which will reduce inflammation all over your body. These at-home treatments for puffiness are safe and effective in the short term.
There are many common causes of puffy eyes.
- Eating too much salt, leading to fluid retention
- Allergies that lead to inflammation
- Irritation around the eyes from cosmetics
- Sinus problems or infection
Puffiness typically goes away on its own and does not have other symptoms associated with it. Swelling in the eyelids, however, can indicate a different underlying condition or a more serious problem with your health.
Understanding the different potential causes of swollen eyes, and the symptoms associated with them, can help you determine when to see a doctor for medical treatment.
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How To Get Rid Of A Swollen Eye A Very Useful Step By Step Guide
Leaving bed with puffy or swollen eyes may seem uncomfortable and disturbing. But you may solve the problem by using the treatment.
For swollen eyes, you may face an eye allergy, oil gland, a blocked tear, irritation, and an infection. The tissue around the eyes works hard to destroy build-up fluid and make swelling.
Try New Skincare Products
Certain over-the-counter skincare products can rejuvenate and heal the skin. Try eye creams and puffy eye masks to help shrink the blood vessels in the under-eye area.
You should also look for products, such as a retinol cream, that have collagen as an ingredient. Collagen is a vital protein for healthy skin.4
- Refrigerated utensils
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Causes Of Eye Swelling On One Side
- Rubbing the Eye. Rubbing from any cause will make the eyelids puffy. Often, it starts from getting an irritant in the eye. Young children often touch their eyes with dirty hands. They also may get food in the eye.
- Insect Bite near the eye. A reaction to the insect’s spit causes swelling. The loose eye tissues swell easily. The most common bite is from a mosquito.
- Contact Dermatitis near the eye. An example is poison ivy.
- Injury near the eye. Can cause a bruise and swelling.
- Sty. A minor infection of an eyelash.
- Dacryocystitis. An infection of the tear sac in the corner of the eye.
- Ethmoid Sinus Infection . This causes swelling and redness of the eyelid. The ethmoid sinus is behind the eye.
- Periorbital Cellulitis . A bacterial infection of the eyelid. Caused by spread from nearby infected wound or insect bite. The eyelid is very red and usually painful to touch.
Consuming Too Much Sodium
You should only be consuming up to 2,300 mg of sodium a day. But if you consume much more than this, your body may retain more water than usual. This can cause a bloated appearance everywhere, including the eyes and face, says Diaz.
How to fix it: Limiting your sodium intake can help prevent puffy eyes in the future. You can cut back on sodium by:
- Tracking the sodium content of what you eat and drink
- Limiting high-sodium foods like canned soup
- Preparing your own meals instead of eating packaged processed food
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Can Allergies Cause Dry Eyes
If your eyes feel dry and irritated in the winter months when there are fewer outdoor allergens, then you may have a form of tear dysfunction known as dry eye, or keratoconjunctivitis sicca. This is not an allergic reaction it happens when your eyes either do not make enough tears or the tears they make go away very quickly.
Many people have dry eye, including about one-third of older adults. Its commonly found in people with eye allergies as well. Symptoms are sometimes worse when its cold or windy outside, after you turn on the heat in your home, or if youre in a dry environment. Some medications, including oral antihistamines, sleeping pills and anti-depressants, can cause symptoms.
Other Swollen Eyelid Causes & Symptoms
In some cases, swollen eyelids may be symptomatic of a bigger health problem, such as orbital cellulitis , Graves disease , and ocular herpes . In general, swollen eyelids are accompanied by symptoms such as itching or scratching sensations, excessive tear production resulting in watery eyes, obstructed vision, redness of the eyelid, eye discharge, and eyelid dryness or flaking. Pain generally accompanies swollen eyelids that are caused by an infection.
Many people also use the term puffy eyes interchangeably with swollen eyelids. However, for medical professionals, swollen eyes are generally used to describe an immune system response to an allergy, infection, or injury. Puffy eyes typically refer to eyes that are swollen from external reasons, such as water retention, a lack of sleep, or even genetic traits like hereditary dark circles under the eyes.
Eye allergies are the most common cause for swollen eyes. In this case, the swollen eyes are symptomatic of the bodys overreaction to a foreign substance, known as an allergen. Common allergens that can trigger swollen eyes include pollen, dust and pet dander, and can sometimes be due to the changing of the seasons. Some types of contact solution and eye drops may also trigger an allergic reaction in certain individuals with sensitive eyes.
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Causes Of Eye Swelling On Both Sides
- Allergic Conjunctivitis. Itchy pink eyes from pollen or pet dander.
- Viral Conjunctivitis. The main symptom is red eyes with a cold.
- Bacterial Conjunctivitis. The main symptom is yellow pus in the eye or eyes. Eyelids may be matted shut.
- Edema . Edema is retained fluid within body tissues. Edema fluid first appears as swelling of the feet due to gravity. Edema fluid also occurs around both eyes after lying down. It’s caused by kidney, heart or liver failure.
- Anaphylaxis . 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.
Tips To Ease Swollen Eyes
Remember, these are your eyes were talking about, so check with your doctor or ophthalmologist before you try any treatment. But if you’re looking for relief, consider the following home remedies and medical interventions.
Wash your face. Washing your face is one of the first things you should do to combat itchy, swollen eyes, says Ogbogu. It can help wash away the allergens sticking to your skin and eyelashes.
Rinse out the eyes. “Rinse out the eyes if you can with a little bit of water, and that’s usually helpful,” Ogbogu says. That will loosen the allergens from the inside of your eyes and help to flush them out.
Apply a cold compress. “Cold compresses around the eyes can be helpful with itching and swelling,” says Ogbogu. Soak a towel or washcloth in cold water or refrigerate a damp cloth or eye pillow. Then lie down with the compress across your eyes to let the coolness reduce swollen eyelids.
Try allergy eye drops. Ogbogu suggests trying an over-the-counter eye drop made to soothe itchy, swollen eyes caused by allergies. An ophthalmologist might prescribe an antihistamine eye drop. The AAO cautions that using these drops for more than three days may actually increase irritating symptoms.
Mast cell stabilizer eye drops can also be effective, preventing the release of histamines in your body. Unlike antihistamines, these need to be administered before exposure to an allergen in order to prevent itching, notes the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.
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Drink Oolong Tea To Ease Allergy Symptoms
Oolong tea, which is essentially tea thats been partially fermented, has been found to help relieve the symptoms of eye and nasal allergies. A Japanese study found that it reduced allergy symptoms like itchy eyes and tears even during a period when pollen count was high.10 Oolong tea can add to the effects of anti-allergy agents and even help you cut the use of these medicines. So sip on a cup of soothing tea to deal with that irritating allergy.
Posted On September 4 2019
Waking up to a swollen eyelid can be frustrating and uncomfortable, but thankfully there are some quick remedies that can resolve most symptoms in less than a week. There are several factors that can cause eyelid inflammation, but some of the most common causes are not threatening to your vision if treated properly.Common Causes of Swollen EyelidsStyesA stye is an infection located in the eyelid that causes …
Waking up to a swollen eyelid can be frustrating and uncomfortable, but thankfully there are some quick remedies that can resolve most symptoms in less than a week. There are several factors that can cause eyelid inflammation, but some of the most common causes are not threatening to your vision if treated properly.
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Talk To Your Doctor About Cosmetic Surgery
If your eye puffiness is severe, and if lifestyle changes or other remedies dont work, you may want to consider cosmetic surgery.
One type of surgery is blepharoplasty, which is eyelid surgery. During this procedure, a doctor moves or removes excess fat, muscle, and skin in your eyelid.
Your doctor may also have recommendations for laser treatments, chemical peels, or prescription medications to help serious cases of puffy eyes.
