Symptom

Swollen Eyelids

Swollen eyelids can affect one or both eyes and may develop suddenly or gradually. The cause is often minor, but sometimes swelling can be related to infection or inflammation that needs treatment.

What can cause swollen eyelids?

Possible causes include allergies, blepharitis, chalazion or stye, conjunctivitis, dry eye and eye rubbing, infection of the eyelid or surrounding tissues, insect bites or local irritation, and fluid retention or other general medical causes.

Itching and swelling of both eyelids are commonly associated with allergy, while a painful localised lump may be caused by a stye or chalazion.

When should you have it checked?

An eye examination may be helpful if the swelling is persistent, recurrent, uncomfortable or affects your vision.

Seek prompt assessment if you have:

  • significant pain or tenderness
  • increasing redness or warmth around the eye
  • fever or feeling unwell
  • reduced vision
  • difficulty opening or moving the eye
  • the eye appearing pushed forward
  • rapidly increasing swelling

How we can help

At European Eye Center, we examine the eyelids, eye surface and surrounding tissues to determine the likely cause of the swelling. Treatment depends on the cause and may include eyelid care, treatment for allergy or inflammation, medication for infection when needed, or treatment of a stye or chalazion.

Meet your specialist

Care led by specialists you'll meet in person.

Dr. JD Ferwerda
Lead Ophthalmologist · Cataract and Retina Surgeon

Dr. JD Ferwerda, MD

Dr. JD Ferwerda, MD: Dutch-trained ophthalmologist specialising in cataracts, lens exchange, retinal disease, glaucoma, and AMD.

Dr. Artem Kozhechenkov
Refractive Surgeon

Dr. Artem Kozhechenkov, MD

Russian-trained refractive and general ophthalmologist, leads lasik/ laser vision correction at EEC

All consultations at European Eye Center are thorough and personalised.

Our front desk team will help you book the most suitable doctor for your symptoms.

If you are experiencing urgent eye symptoms, please contact us as soon as possible.