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When To See A Doctor About Your Swollen Eyelid

First and foremost, a swollen eyelid isn't so much a health condition of its own, but rather a symptom of something else going on. Sometimes, a puffy eyelid may simply be the product of a poor night's sleep, a heavy bout of crying, or irritation from a makeup product that has made its way in or around the eyes,

In other cases, a swollen eyelid may be triggered by an allergic reaction, a clogged oil gland, or a blocked tear duct. Certain health conditions may also be responsible for a swollen eyelid... Such conditions include pink eye, shingles, the development of a stye, or blepharitis.

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Articles of Interest

Diagnostic puzzler: Acute eyelid edema

Noninflammatory eyelid edema is a relatively common disorder that usually appears after some local irritation or microtrauma.

Differential Diagnosis of the Swollen Red Eyelid

The differential diagnosis of eyelid erythema and edema is broad, ranging from benign, self-limiting dermatoses to malignant tumors and vision-threatening infections. A definitive diagnosis usually can be made on physical examination of the eyelid and a careful evaluation of symptoms and exposures. The finding of a swollen red eyelid often signals cellulitis. Orbital cellulitis is a severe infection presenting with proptosis and ophthalmoplegia.

Periorbital Inflammation – Red Eye – Red Flags

Orbital cellulitis is a serious condition that should be carefully distinguished from periorbital cellulitis. On history, clinicians should ensure they inquire about recent sinus or dental infections, trauma to the orbit, or possible insect bites. Physical exam should carefully assess for signs of orbital cellulitis, including proptosis, chemosis, and limited extraocular movements. Any positive red flag or clinical suspicion warrants a CT scan of the orbits and sinuses to exclude orbital cellulitis.

Periorbital swelling: the important distinction between allergy and infection

Orbital allergic reaction includes, conjunctival injection, blepharitis, periorbital dermatitis, and oedema of the eyelid. Pruritis and oedema are the most common clinical findings, although this is usually bilateral.

The Swollen Eyelid

Hordeolum: painful, acutely inflamed eyelid gland. Often colloquially called a stye. Chalazion: non-painful, sterile, granulomatous, chronic inflammation of an eyelid gland.

Trick of the Trade: Retracting Swollen Eyelids

Eyelids can become edematous from blunt trauma and local inflammation, making it difficult to visualize the orbit. How do you retract the eyelids, if you don’t have the fancy ophthalmology eyelid retractors?

Resources

Pediatric Professional Association

Swollen eyelids from insect bites, pollens or other allergies are itchy. Swollen eyelids from eyelid infections are painful and tender to the touch.

All About Swollen Eyelids

Swollen eyelids can be uncomfortable and unattractive. Swollen eyelids are associated with a variety of symptoms that can hamper or affect vision. While most cases of swollen eyelids are not serious, several serious conditions may cause swollen eyelids. Without proper treatment, chronic swollen eyelids may cause eye damage and may result in vision loss.