Causes, symptoms and treatment for a swollen eyelid

Eye lids are designed to protect the eyes. They also help to keep the eye wet. There are special structures in the eye lids to achieve these targets. The eye lids get swollen when any of these structures gets inflamed. Eye lid is composed of a fibrous plate called tarsus, muscles (orbicularis oculi, levator palpabrae superioris), meibomian glands, skin and eye lashes. Swelling of the eye is very common. The cause for the swelling can vary from person to person. Their symptoms and treatments also vary according to the cause.

There are over 70 causes for swollen eye lid. But, only few of them are common. Some of the commonest causes for swollen eye lid are conjunctivitis, styes, allergic reactions, blepharitis and chalazion. Out of these, styes and chalazion appears alike but, an experienced physician can differentiate the two by examining the eye lid. Eye lids can become swollen if you are allergic to chemicals such as hair spray, make up etc. Allergies to plants and animal can also cause swollen eye lids. In allergic reactions, the eye becomes itchy. Allergic reactions  are associated with release of histamine which starts an inflammatory process which, finally give rise to swollen eye lids. Washing eyes with clean water can always help but, make sure you do not rub your eyes. This condition can easily be treated with eye drops that can reduce the inflammation. These eye drops usually contain an antihistamine, mast cell stabilizer or a corticosteroid.

Infection can also cause eye lid swelling. The eyes can get infected with both bacteria and viruses. Bacterial conjunctivitis  causes sever symptoms such as reddening, itching and swelling of the eyes. The symptoms of viral conjunctivitis are usually not as severe as bacterial conjunctivitis. Conjunctivitis is usually treated with antibiotics such as chloramphenicol and fusidic acid.

Styes are inflamed sebaceous glands. These glands are situated at the base of the eye lashes. The commonest causative agent for styes is Staphylococcal bacteria. You should never try to squeeze the stye. It can contaminate your hands with bacteria. This can promote the spreading of the infection. Styes are treated with warm compression and pain killers. Your doctor will drain the pus collected inside the stye by making a very small cut.

Chalazion  develops as a result of blockage of meibomian glands. This condition is initially treated with wet and warm compresseion and antibiotics. If these do not work, you will have to undergo surgery to remove it.

A common mistake that most of the people do when they see that their eye lid is swollen, is trying to handle it. Some even squeeze hard. These practices should be strictly prohibited because they can only bring more harm to the eye. Eye is one of the precious organs in human body. You must take all precautions to avoid harming it.