Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsEye AllergiesEye Styes and ChalazionPink EyeCellulitisEczemaGraves' DiseaseNephrotic SyndromeHerpes InfectionShinglesBlepharitisWhen to See a Healthcare Provider
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Eye Allergies
Eye Styes and Chalazion
Pink Eye
Cellulitis
Eczema
Graves' Disease
Nephrotic Syndrome
Herpes Infection
Shingles
Blepharitis
When to See a Healthcare Provider
Swollen eyelids, top or bottom, can have many causes. Most are not serious, but symptoms can be due to a medical condition. Eyelids can swell due toallergies, infections, or medical conditions like Graves' disease, a thyroid-related condition that requires long-term treatment.
Symptoms can affect one eye or both, depending on the reason. In some cases, a swollen eye can be treated with a home remedy, such as a warm compress to soothe symptoms. Still, it’s often necessary to see a healthcare provider to rule out serious problems or treat an infection.
Allergies are a common cause of eyelid swelling.Allergic conjunctivitiscan occur due to seasonal allergies topollenor to substances like dust. Symptoms occur as the body releaseshistaminesthat cause blood vessels to swell, and eyes become itchy, red, and watery.
Topical antihistamines (applied to the skin) are among first-line treatments for allergic conjunctivitis. Some of the treatments, however, also can lead to swollen eyes. For example, studies have shown it’s a common side effect of Zyrtec (cetirizine) used for allergy symptoms.
If you have a stye, try to put a warm, wet compress on it for five to 10 minutes a few times a day. This often makes the eye feel better, and may also help to open any blocked pores. The stye can then drain out and start to heal. Some people may require medical treatment.
Pink eyeorconjunctivitisis an inflammation of the conjunctiva, a clear membrane that lines the inside of the eyelid and covers the white part of the eye.
Pink eye treatmentwill depend on the underlying cause. Your healthcare provider can help determine whether bacteria, allergies, or viruses cause it. Self-care can begin with warm or cool compresses to soothe the affected eye.
Cellulitisis a more serious cause of eyelid swelling and requires prompt treatment. There are two main types:
A type of eye cancer called necroticuveal melanomacan cause symptoms similar to those experienced with orbital cellulitis.It’s important to seek out an accurate diagnosis.
Eyelid eczemais common in people with skin conditions who experience dry, itchy skin symptoms on the face. Because eczema can affect any area of the skin, it can also affect the eyelid.
Similar causes, including cosmetics and contact allergies, can affect the eyelid. Careful hygiene and handwashing can help prevent a reaction to contact lens solutions and other products.
To treat eyelid eczema, medications called topical calcineurin inhibitors (TCIs) or, in some cases, steroids may be used.
People withGraves' diseaseor other thyroid problems often develop eyelid swelling. Graves' is typically related to hyperthyroid (high) function, which co-occurs in about 90% of cases.
Although it can affect one eye more than the other, it usually involves both eyes. Graves' disease can cause the eyes to bulge. Sometimes, Graves' disease can limit eye motion or cause double vision.
Your healthcare provider may prescribe steroids, like prednisone orTepezza (teprotumumab), to help treat your swelling. Some cases may be treated with radiation to reduce swelling in eye muscle and tissue.
Symptoms ofnephrotic syndromecan occur in people with an underlying kidney disease, as well as certain autoimmune disorders like lupus. Puffy, swollen eyelids can occur with other symptoms that include:
Nephrotic syndrome is a serious health issue that can cause high blood pressure and other conditions. Talk to your healthcare provider about a diagnosis and treatment.
Theherpes simplex virus(HSV) is the most common viral cause of eye infection, though the percentage of people who develop eye disease as a result of HSV infection remains small. However, the virus can remain latent for years in and around the eye.
The herpes virus can infect the cornea, the clear dome that covers the front part of the eye, causing inflammation. A swollen eye is a common symptom, as are painful sores on the eyelid or the eye surface. Antiviral medications are commonly used totreat eye herpes.
The risk ofshingles eye infectionis increased in people:
Early detection and treatment are essential to prevent complications. Antiviral medications and steroid eye drops may be prescribed to treat a shingles-related infection. A vaccine is available to prevent shingles.
The herpes virus also can affect the eye, but it is not the same virus that causes shingles.
Preventing and treating blepharitis includes:
Blepharitis is difficult to get rid of completely, so maintaining a good hygiene routine is crucial.
A swollen eyelid will often resolve in a few days with home care. If the eye continues to be painful or your symptoms worsen, contact your healthcare provider. Depending on the cause, you may be referred to aneye specialist.
Some symptoms may point to a more serious condition. You should contact a healthcare provider right away if you experience:
Summary
It could be expected for eyes to look a little swollen when you wake up, but severe eye swelling is not. The most common causes of new eyelid swelling include allergies, pink eye, and styes, but skin infections,thyroid disease, and herpes are other possible causes.
See your healthcare provider for swollen eyelid symptoms that get worse or don’t resolve, or that occur with fever and other symptoms of a co-occurring illness.
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Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Sawicka-Gutaj N, Ziółkowska P, Wojciechowska K, Shawkat S, Czarnywojtek A, Warchoł W,et al.Eye symptoms in patients with benign thyroid diseases.Sci Rep. 2021 Sep 21;11(1):18706. doi: 10.1038/s41598-021-98232-0.Leonardi A, Quintieri L, Presa IJ, LLoves JM, Montero J, Benítez-Del-Castillo JM,et al.Allergic conjunctivitis management: Update on ophthalmic solutions.Curr Allergy Asthma Rep. 2024 Jul;24(7):347-360. doi:10.1007/s11882-024-01150-0National Health Service.Stye.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Pink eye: Causes and how it spreads.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Symptoms of pink eye.Yadalla D, Jayagayathri R, Padmanaban K, Ramasamy R, Rammohan R, Nisar SP,et al.Bacterial orbital cellulitis - A review.Indian J Ophthalmol. 2023 Jul;71(7):2687-2693. doi:10.4103/IJO.IJO_3283_22Diouf MS, Tall A, Ndiaye C, Thiam A, Deguenonvo R, Ndiaye M.Complications of sinusitis: An 80-case series from the ENT and neurosurgery departments of the Fann university hospital center of Dakar, Senegal.Eur Ann Otorhinolaryngol Head Neck Dis. 2020 Dec;137(6):473-476. doi:10.1016/j.anorl.2020.03.014.Abdel-Aty A, Linderman WL, Kombo N, Sinard J, Pointdujour-Lim R.Necrotic uveal melanoma mimics orbital cellulitis: A review.Ocul Oncol Pathol. 2022 Feb;8(1):1-8. doi:10.1159/000515558National Eczema Society.Eczema around the eyes.Hutchings KR, Fritzhand SJ, Esmaeli B, Koka K, Zhao J, Ahmed S,et al.Graves' eye disease: Clinical and radiological diagnosis.Biomedicines. 2023 Jan 22;11(2):312. doi:10.3390/biomedicines11020312National Eye Institute.Graves' eye disease.American Kidney Fund.Nephrotic syndrome treatments, causes & symptoms.Arshad S, Petsoglou C, Lee T, Al-Tamimi A, Carnt NA.20 years since the herpetic eye disease study: Lessons, developments and applications to clinical practice.Clin Exp Optom. 2021 Apr;104(3):396-405. doi:10.1080/08164622.2021.1877531Iancu GM, Stănilă DM, Cipăian RC, Rotaru M.Ophthalmic herpes zoster with severe complications in an immunocompromised patient: A case report and review of the literature.Exp Ther Med. 2022 Mar;23(3):214. doi:10.3892/etm.2022.11138.National Eye Institute.Blepharitis.National Health Service.Eyelid problems.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Sawicka-Gutaj N, Ziółkowska P, Wojciechowska K, Shawkat S, Czarnywojtek A, Warchoł W,et al.Eye symptoms in patients with benign thyroid diseases.Sci Rep. 2021 Sep 21;11(1):18706. doi: 10.1038/s41598-021-98232-0.Leonardi A, Quintieri L, Presa IJ, LLoves JM, Montero J, Benítez-Del-Castillo JM,et al.Allergic conjunctivitis management: Update on ophthalmic solutions.Curr Allergy Asthma Rep. 2024 Jul;24(7):347-360. doi:10.1007/s11882-024-01150-0National Health Service.Stye.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Pink eye: Causes and how it spreads.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Symptoms of pink eye.Yadalla D, Jayagayathri R, Padmanaban K, Ramasamy R, Rammohan R, Nisar SP,et al.Bacterial orbital cellulitis - A review.Indian J Ophthalmol. 2023 Jul;71(7):2687-2693. doi:10.4103/IJO.IJO_3283_22Diouf MS, Tall A, Ndiaye C, Thiam A, Deguenonvo R, Ndiaye M.Complications of sinusitis: An 80-case series from the ENT and neurosurgery departments of the Fann university hospital center of Dakar, Senegal.Eur Ann Otorhinolaryngol Head Neck Dis. 2020 Dec;137(6):473-476. doi:10.1016/j.anorl.2020.03.014.Abdel-Aty A, Linderman WL, Kombo N, Sinard J, Pointdujour-Lim R.Necrotic uveal melanoma mimics orbital cellulitis: A review.Ocul Oncol Pathol. 2022 Feb;8(1):1-8. doi:10.1159/000515558National Eczema Society.Eczema around the eyes.Hutchings KR, Fritzhand SJ, Esmaeli B, Koka K, Zhao J, Ahmed S,et al.Graves' eye disease: Clinical and radiological diagnosis.Biomedicines. 2023 Jan 22;11(2):312. doi:10.3390/biomedicines11020312National Eye Institute.Graves' eye disease.American Kidney Fund.Nephrotic syndrome treatments, causes & symptoms.Arshad S, Petsoglou C, Lee T, Al-Tamimi A, Carnt NA.20 years since the herpetic eye disease study: Lessons, developments and applications to clinical practice.Clin Exp Optom. 2021 Apr;104(3):396-405. doi:10.1080/08164622.2021.1877531Iancu GM, Stănilă DM, Cipăian RC, Rotaru M.Ophthalmic herpes zoster with severe complications in an immunocompromised patient: A case report and review of the literature.Exp Ther Med. 2022 Mar;23(3):214. doi:10.3892/etm.2022.11138.National Eye Institute.Blepharitis.National Health Service.Eyelid problems.
Sawicka-Gutaj N, Ziółkowska P, Wojciechowska K, Shawkat S, Czarnywojtek A, Warchoł W,et al.Eye symptoms in patients with benign thyroid diseases.Sci Rep. 2021 Sep 21;11(1):18706. doi: 10.1038/s41598-021-98232-0.
Leonardi A, Quintieri L, Presa IJ, LLoves JM, Montero J, Benítez-Del-Castillo JM,et al.Allergic conjunctivitis management: Update on ophthalmic solutions.Curr Allergy Asthma Rep. 2024 Jul;24(7):347-360. doi:10.1007/s11882-024-01150-0
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Symptoms of pink eye.
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Diouf MS, Tall A, Ndiaye C, Thiam A, Deguenonvo R, Ndiaye M.Complications of sinusitis: An 80-case series from the ENT and neurosurgery departments of the Fann university hospital center of Dakar, Senegal.Eur Ann Otorhinolaryngol Head Neck Dis. 2020 Dec;137(6):473-476. doi:10.1016/j.anorl.2020.03.014.
Abdel-Aty A, Linderman WL, Kombo N, Sinard J, Pointdujour-Lim R.Necrotic uveal melanoma mimics orbital cellulitis: A review.Ocul Oncol Pathol. 2022 Feb;8(1):1-8. doi:10.1159/000515558
National Eczema Society.Eczema around the eyes.
Hutchings KR, Fritzhand SJ, Esmaeli B, Koka K, Zhao J, Ahmed S,et al.Graves' eye disease: Clinical and radiological diagnosis.Biomedicines. 2023 Jan 22;11(2):312. doi:10.3390/biomedicines11020312
National Eye Institute.Graves' eye disease.
American Kidney Fund.Nephrotic syndrome treatments, causes & symptoms.
Arshad S, Petsoglou C, Lee T, Al-Tamimi A, Carnt NA.20 years since the herpetic eye disease study: Lessons, developments and applications to clinical practice.Clin Exp Optom. 2021 Apr;104(3):396-405. doi:10.1080/08164622.2021.1877531
Iancu GM, Stănilă DM, Cipăian RC, Rotaru M.Ophthalmic herpes zoster with severe complications in an immunocompromised patient: A case report and review of the literature.Exp Ther Med. 2022 Mar;23(3):214. doi:10.3892/etm.2022.11138.
National Eye Institute.Blepharitis.
National Health Service.Eyelid problems.
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