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.