What Causes Eye Swelling?

Eye swelling can occur to anyone (Amanda Dalbjörn/ Unsplash )
Eye swelling can occur to anyone (Amanda Dalbjörn/ Unsplash )

Eye swelling, also known as periorbital swelling, is a common condition that affects many people at some point in their lives. The condition is characterized by puffiness, redness, and inflammation around the eye area. Eye swelling can occur for a variety of reasons.


Common Causes of Eye Swelling

Here are some of the causes of eye swelling:

Allergies: One of the most common causes of eye swelling is allergies. Allergies occur when the immune system overreacts to a substance that it perceives as harmful. When this happens, the body releases histamine, which causes swelling, redness, and itching. Allergic reactions can be caused by many different substances, including pollen, dust, animal dander, and certain foods.

Infection: Eye swelling can also be caused by an infection. Bacterial or viral infections can cause inflammation and swelling around the eye area. Common infections that cause eye swelling include conjunctivitis (pink eye), cellulitis, and orbital cellulitis. If you suspect that you have an infection, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible.

Sinusitis: Sinusitis is another common cause of eye swelling. Sinusitis can be treated by doing yoga and occurs when the sinuses become inflamed and swollen, which can cause pressure and pain around the eyes. In some cases, sinusitis can also cause eye redness, discharge, and swelling.

Do your eyes look puffy? They might be infected (Mateo Heinze/ Unsplash)
Do your eyes look puffy? They might be infected (Mateo Heinze/ Unsplash)

Injury: Eye swelling can also be caused by an injury. Trauma to the eye or face can cause swelling, bruising, and pain. In some cases, an injury can cause a condition known as a black eye, which is characterized by swelling and discoloration around the eye area.

Fluid Retention: Fluid retention can also cause eye swelling. This is often seen in people who have a high salt intake, are dehydrated, or have an underlying medical condition that affects fluid balance in the body, such as kidney disease or heart failure.

Thyroid Disorder: Thyroid Disorder can also cause eye swelling. In some cases, an overactive thyroid gland can cause the eyes to bulge out of their sockets, which can cause swelling and discomfort.

Conjunctivitis: Conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye, is an inflammation of the conjunctiva (the thin, transparent layer that covers the white part of the eye). The condition can be caused by a viral or bacterial infection, which can result in redness, itching, and swelling of the eyelids.

Chalazion: A chalazion is a small, painless lump that forms on the eyelid. It is caused by a blockage of the oil glands in the eyelid, which can result in swelling and inflammation.


Treatment for Swollen Eyelids

Below are some tips for treating a swollen eyelid:

Cold Compress: Apply a cold compress, such as a clean cloth soaked in cold water or a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a towel, to the affected eye for 10-15 minutes. This can help reduce swelling and inflammation.

Warm Compress: If the swelling is caused by a sty or a chalazion, a warm compress can be more effective than a cold compress. Apply a clean cloth soaked in warm water to the affected eye for 10-15 minutes, several times a day.

Over-The-Counter Medication: Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help to reduce pain and inflammation. Antihistamines can be effective if the swelling is caused by an allergic reaction.

Cold compresses for swollen eyelids are recommended( Hao Zhang/ Unsplash)
Cold compresses for swollen eyelids are recommended( Hao Zhang/ Unsplash)

Avoid Rubbing the Affected Eye: Rubbing or touching the affected eye can worsen the swelling and increase the risk of infection.

Rest: Getting enough rest and sleep can help reduce swelling and speed up the healing process.


Home Remedies for Puffy Eyes

Some home remedies for puffy eyes as well as treatment for swollen eyelids are:

Tea Bags: Tea bags, particularly green or black tea, contain caffeine and antioxidants that can help reduce swelling and inflammation. After steeping the tea bags in hot water, chill them in the refrigerator for a few minutes, then place them on your closed eyes for 10-15 minutes.

Aloe Vera: Aloe vera gel has anti-inflammatory properties that can help to reduce puffiness and redness. Apply a small amount of aloe vera gel to the affected area and leave it on for 10-15 minutes.

Milk: Milk contains lactic acid and enzymes that can help reduce puffiness and dark circles. Soak cotton pads in cold milk, and place them over your closed eyes for 10-15 minutes.

Potatoes: Potatoes have anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce puffiness, pink eye, and dark circles. Grate a raw potato and place the pulp on your closed eyes for 10-15 minutes.

Sleep: Lack of sleep can contribute to puffy eyes, so getting enough rest can help reduce their appearance.


Eye swelling can be caused by many different factors, including allergies, infections, sinusitis, injuries, fluid retention, and thyroid disorders. If you are experiencing swelling, it is important to speak with your healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent complications and improve outcomes.

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Edited by Susrita Das
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