How to Treat a Swollen Eyelid

Last Updated: Aug 16, 2013 | By Carolyn Williams

A swollen eyelid can be an indicator of a physical problem. Photo Credit Ralf Nau/Digital Vision/Getty Images

Waking up with a swollen eyelid can be disconcerting. Not only can it make it difficult to see clearly, but it also could be indicative of an underlying condition. You can treat your swollen eyelid at home, but if it doesn't respond to treatment, it's worth giving your doctor a call.

Step 1

Observe if there are other symptoms. If the area near your eyelashes is red, swollen and itchy, it might be blepharitis. This unsightly but common condition is caused by the oil glands near your eyelashes getting plugged and an overgrowth of bacteria occurring at the base of your eyelashes. It won't cause damage to your eyes but can be recurring. Treat it by using a warm, damp cloth to gently wipe the eyelids on a regular basis. If it persists, contact your doctor for an antibiotic ointment.

Step 2

Note if your eyelids are scaly and thickened. If they are, you might have lice. Common in very young children, you can see the activity of the adult louse at the base of the eyelashes. Don't treat with an anti-lice product, as these are not safe near the eyes. Instead, use petroleum jelly or a non-medicated ointment on the eyelid to suffocate the lice eggs and prevent further louse from forming.

Step 3

Examine your soap or makeup. If your eyelid is swollen and extremely itchy and red, it may be contact dermatitis. This occurs when your eyelids have a reaction to a new soap, detergent or makeup product. Soaps that can cause this reaction include sodium or potassium salts; these types of soaps are often antibacterial. Look for makeup that is clearly labeled as non-comedogenic, hypoallergenic and fragrance free. If you've experienced issues in the past with switching makeup, do a patch test on the inside of your wrist prior to using the makeup on your face. Wash your eye gently with lukewarm water to rinse the product off, and stop using the product.

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Step 4

Observe if your eye is irritated in addition to your eyelid. If your eye is red, itchy and swollen and full of watery discharge, you may conjunctivitis, also know as "pink eye." Caused by either an allergy, viral infection or bacterial infection, pink eye should be resolved with the help of your doctor. She will examine your eye using a slit lamp microscope and may take a sample to identify the bacteria, if that is the cause. Bacterial conjunctivitis, which manifests with stringy discharge that may cause your eyelids to stick together, is treated with wide-spectrum antibiotic drops or ointments.



Allergic conjunctivitis is treated with artificial tears to help soothe the eye, and cool compresses. There is no treatment for viral conjunctivitis, though symptoms can be manged with artificial tears and cool compresses; severe cases may require the use of steroid drops to minimize swelling.

Step 5

Consider whether it's a sunburn. If you forgot to put sunscreen on your eyelids, you may have been in the sun too long. In this case, you can use a cold compress to ease the swelling and make sure to wear sunglasses in future. If the swelling doesn't subside within a day or so, contact your doctor.

Tips

• Other causes of a swollen eyelid include uveitis, keratitis, a foreign body lodged in the eye and acute angle-closure glaucoma. These causes require medical assistance to diagnose and treat properly.

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