Did you wake up with swelling in your eyes? This can be an indication of a phenomenon known as swollen eyes.
As understood by its name, a swollen eye is the swelling around the eye.
But what causes swelling around the eyes? And is it treatable?
This article will discuss everything about the swollen eye, including its causes and treatment.
So, let us dive deep into this article to learn about swollen eyes in detail.
What is a Swollen Eye
Swollen eye is a common condition where the area around the eye becomes puffy and inflamed. It is caused due to fluid accumulation around the eyes.
This condition can affect one or both eyes and cause irritation or eye pain.
Sometimes, swollen eyes are also referred to as puffy eyes.
The scientific term for swollen eyes is Periorbital Edema.
Usually, swollen eyes are a symptom of an underlying eye condition or eye infection.
Therefore, it is vital to seek medical consultation to diagnose and manage your swollen eyes effectively.
Symptoms of Swollen Eye
Source: fixkesTo effectively treat any medical condition, it becomes important to look out for their common and rare symptoms.
There are various symptoms of swollen eyes as well.
Let us look at the common symptoms of swollen eyes below.
- Mild to severe eye inflammation
- Double or blurred vision caused by puffiness
- Redness around the eye, alongside swelling
- Excess tears being produced
- Bruised appearance of the eye
- The eyelids being pushed back by inflammation
- Being sensitive to light
If you experience any of these symptoms and swelling around your eyes, you might have Periorbital Edema.
Consult your ophthalmologist immediately to determine the exact cause of swollen eyes.
Causes of Swollen Eye
As we read above, a swollen eye is usually a symptom of various medical conditions.
Conjunctivitis, eye allergies, Periorbital Cellulitis, Stye, and Trichinosis are common medical conditions that can cause swollen eyes.
Let us take a brief look at these conditions.
Conjunctivitis
Conjunctivitis, or pink eye, is a contagious disease that can cause inflammation and redness in the eyes.
Allergies
Certain eye allergies can also cause inflammation of the small blood vessels around the eyes.
Swelling is a common symptom of eye allergies.
Several allergens, such as dust and pollen, may come in contact with the eyes, leading to allergies.
Periorbital Cellulitis
Periorbital Cellulitis is a severe condition when the skin around the eyes and eyelids gets infected and swells up. This could lead to Periorbital Edema.
Stye
A Stye is a painful, red bump near the edge of the eyelid caused by a blocked oil gland which then leads to bacterial infection.
It can cause swelling in the eyes by causing inflammation and the accumulation of pus in the affected area, causing discomfort and visible swelling.
Trichinosis
Trichinosis is a condition caused by a roundworm that can be found in some raw or undercooked meat. It can make the eyes swell up.
Besides these medical conditions, other factors that might cause swollen eyes are aging, crying, irregular sleep, high intake of salt, smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption.
If you want to learn more about the causes of swollen eyes, read Why is My Eye Swollen: Exploring Possible Causes of Swollen Eyes.
How to Treat Swollen Eyes
Source: AMR_Images_from_Getty_ImagesThe treatment of swollen eyes depends on its cause.
Doctors can prescribe effective swollen eye medication for the treatment.
If the cause of the swollen eye is pink eye, doctors may prescribe antibiotics and antivirals to treat bacterial pink eye and viral pink eye, respectively.
And, if the cause of swollen eyes is allergies, antihistamines can help provide relief from swelling around the eyes.
Similarly, ophthalmologists can prescribe corticosteroids and anti-inflammatory medications to manage the inflammation.
Therefore, it is best to visit a trusted eye hospital to get treatment from an authorized ophthalmologist.
Are There Any Home Remedies for Swollen Eye
Yes, there are various home remedies for swollen eyes you can incorporate for effective management.
Some common remedies for swollen eyes include using saline solution to clean eye discharge and a cold compress to relieve swollen eyes.
Apart from this, individuals may also put tea bags over their eyes. The caffeine present in tea is effective in reducing swelling.
While sleeping, elevating your head can help reduce fluid retention, thus reducing eye swelling due to retention.
If the cause of swollen eyes is a high intake of salt, irregular sleep, smoking, and drinking, you may practice healthy lifestyle practices.
Some common examples of healthy lifestyle choices include staying hydrated, having a low salt intake, avoiding smoking and drinking, and improving sleep time.
It is also advised to remove contact lenses and avoid applying makeup to prevent the worsening of the swelling.
However, if you cannot observe any noticeable improvements in swelling around the eyes through these remedies, it is best to visit an eye care facility.
If you wish to get more information on home remedies for swollen eyes, read Find Out What Are the Effective Swollen Eye Remedies.
When to Visit an Ophthalmologist
Although many cases of swollen eyes can be treated at home, it would be best to see an eye doctor in the following situations.
- If you are experiencing persistent swelling in your eyes even after practicing home remedies
- If you experience severe eye pain or changes in your vision
- If you notice eye discharge, light sensitivity, or red eyes along with the swelling
An ophthalmologist can help treat swollen eyes with the effective treatment options based on your condition.
Key Notes
Swollen eyes are a common condition characterized by puffiness and inflammation around the eyes.
They can cause irritation or eye pain and can be caused by various medical conditions.
These conditions commonly include Conjunctivitis, eye allergies, Periorbital Cellulitis, Stye, and Trichinosis.
Common symptoms include mild to severe eye inflammation, double or blurred vision, redness, excessive tears, and sensitivity to light.
The treatment of a swollen eye depends on its cause.
For pink eye-induced swollen eyes, doctors usually prescribe antibiotics and antivirals.
In the case of swollen eyes caused due to allergens, antihistamines are an effective medication.
Similarly, anti-inflammatory medications can help manage inflammations.
It includes medication, such as antihistamines, corticosteroids, and anti-inflammatory medications.
To manage swollen eyes at home, remedies such as using saline solution, cold compresses, tea bags, and elevating the head may prove effective.
However, if you are not seeing any improvement in your eye swelling, it is best to see an ophthalmologist for effective treatment options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my under eye swollen?
The swelling under your eyes can result from various factors such as allergies, lack of sleep, fluid retention, aging, or an underlying medical condition.
It is advised to identify the specific cause to determine appropriate treatment and prevention measures.
Are there specific foods that can help reduce eye swelling?
Yes, there are certain that may help with eye swelling.
Foods that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids cucumbers, and foods high in antioxidants, may help reduce eye swelling by mitigating inflammation and promoting overall eye health.
How long do swollen eyes from crying last?
In most cases, swollen eyes are temporary, lasting from a few minutes to a few hours. Proper rest, hydration, and cold compresses can help reduce swelling more quickly.
However, if your swollen eyes persist for several hours after crying, it might be best to visit an eye care center for management.
Is swollen eye a Covid symptom?
No, swollen eyes are not a symptom of COVID-19. While eye symptoms like Conjunctivitis (pink eye) have been reported in some COVID-19 cases, a swollen eye alone is not a definitive symptom of this viral infection.
Will a swollen eye go away on its own?
Yes, in many cases, a swollen eye caused by minor issues like crying or mild irritation may resolve on its own within a day or a few days.
However, persistent or severe swelling may require medical attention. Visit a doctor for the treatment of swollen eyes.
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