Swollen eyelid

Common causes of swollen eyes

Swollen eyes can be caused by a number of things including but not limited to:

• Injury to the eye or surrounding area for example following a fall or blow to the eye in sport can cause inflammation and swelling of the eyelids.

• Conjunctivitis, also known as "pink eye", affects the surface of the eye but can also cause inflamed and swollen eyelids.

• Eye allergies are caused when the body reacts to certain substances called allergens. These include things like dust, pet fur, pollen, certain eye drops or contact lens solutions, as well as some types of make‑up.

• Styes are usually small, tender bumps on the edge of your eyelid, but they can also cause the whole eyelid to swell too.

• A chalazion is a hard cyst that develops on the eyelid. It’s often confused with a stye and can cause the same type of tenderness and eyelid swelling.

How to treat swollen eyelids

Your GP or optician will be able to advise on the right kind of treatment for you, but there are a few things you can try at home if you think the swelling may be allergy‑related:

• Wash your face with clean water

• Use eye drops to clear the eyes and help calm down any itchiness

• Apply a cold compress like a damp flannel over your eyes to reduce irritation or swelling

If you experience any of the following symptoms it’s important that you seek medical advice from your GP as soon as possible:

• Further eyelid swelling

• Blurry or decreased vision

• Pain in or around your eye

• Feeling as if there’s something stuck in your eye