Swollen eyelid causes and treatment. What to do if the upper eyelid is swollen

Each of us has to deal with swelling of the eyelids from time to time. This could be the consequences of a hard week of work, stress and disappointment, or, conversely, a fun party that lasted until the morning and involved drinking alcohol. You can relieve eyelid swelling at home using simple improvised means. If the cause of the swelling is some disease, a malfunction of the internal organs, then it is better not to experiment, but to consult a doctor and use professional remedies.

What does the tactics of action depend on?

Before removing the swelling, you should determine exactly where and why it came from. The skin on the eyelids itself is very thin and sensitive, almost without fat cells and sebaceous glands. Therefore, if the upper or lower eyelid is swollen, the reason is a local accumulation of fluid or an inflammatory process that leads to an increase in the permeability of the capillary walls.

Most often, swelling of the eyelids is caused by the following factors:

lack of sleep, chronic fatigue;
eating salty foods the day before, drinking alcohol, or simply drinking large amounts of liquid;
after tears;
use of low-quality decorative cosmetics;
allergic reactions;
disturbances in the functioning of internal organs - swollen eyes are often a symptom of a malfunction of the kidneys, thyroid gland, etc.;
ophthalmological diseases - blepharitis, conjunctivitis, iridocyclitis, eyelid abscess, etc.;
low levels of proteins in the blood;
infectious diseases not related to the organs of vision - influenza, sore throat, ARVI;
high blood pressure, vegetative-vascular dystonia;
taking certain medications - antibiotics, sulfonamides, salicylates).

The causes of swelling of the eyelids can be either simple fatigue or an infectious disease.

Some cosmetic procedures, such as tattooing, can also cause unsightly swelling on the face. In most cases, this phenomenon, although unpleasant, is temporary. But if swelling on the eyelids and bags under the eyes begin to bother you regularly and standard remedies no longer relieve them, it is recommended to consult a doctor and get examined. Cosmetic recipes will not help you; you will need to approach the problem in a comprehensive manner. First of all, you should visit an ophthalmologist and family doctor. And then go through the following procedures:

donate blood and urine;
measure blood and intracranial pressure;
perform an ultrasound examination of internal organs (as an alternative - computed tomography).

Since most often the cause is difficulty in removing fluid from the body, first of all the doctor will examine the organs associated with this process. You also need to pay attention to whether swelling appears on other parts of the body, after what specific actions, and at what time of day. All this will help to correctly identify the cause and choose ways to solve it.

Note: in women, the face, in particular the eyelids, often swell during hormonal changes - before menstruation, during pregnancy or the beginning of menopause. If a child’s eyelids are swollen in the summer, the reason may lie in excessive exposure to ultraviolet radiation, allergies, or insect bites.

What methods are used

First of all, a patient who consults a doctor with a similar problem should understand that it is not enough to remove swelling from the upper eyelids; it is just a symptom of some disorder, allergy or injury. It is necessary to eliminate the cause, that is, carry out full treatment, which will be selected by the doctor after making an accurate diagnosis.

In case of allergies, it is necessary to identify the irritant allergen and limit contact with it. Additionally, local and systemic antihistamines may be prescribed.
For infectious ophthalmic diseases, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial ointments are used. The drug Floxal has proven itself well. It is applied to the swelling for styes and blepharitis three times a day until the symptoms of the disease completely disappear, usually for at least five days. Floxal not only removes swelling and redness, but also neutralizes pathogenic microorganisms that provoke the disease. For conjunctivitis and keratitis, eye drops with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects are traditionally used. In the acute stage of the disease, drops are administered every two hours, on the second or third day - from two to four times a day.
For injuries with hematoma (bruises, bruises), cold compresses are used on the first day, then ointments that stimulate blood circulation and relieve inflammation.
For internal diseases associated with impaired removal of fluid from the body, diuretics are used - diuretics. Other medications are selected depending on the underlying disease. Once it is healed, the swelling will also go away.

In any case, during treatment it will not be superfluous to follow a gentle diet and lead as healthy a lifestyle as possible. This means that you should not consume salty foods, alcohol, or liquids before bed, properly distribute sleep and rest time, and avoid stress.

There are other methods that can quickly and effectively deal with swelling of the eyelids above or below the eyes. These include:

mesotherapy – subcutaneous administration of drugs that stimulate the outflow of excess fluid;
physiotherapy – microcurrent therapy, manual or vacuum roller massage;
blepharoplasty – tightening the skin of the eyelids, eliminating congenital defects, cosmetic defects after injury or surgery;
cosmetics – creams, lotions, serums, masks.

The main goals of treatment are to stop the inflammatory process, stimulate the removal of fluid from the body, metabolic processes, and tighten the skin of the eyelids. Not all physical procedures and cosmetic measures are allowed to be carried out for certain pathologies, so consultation with a doctor and professional supervision of treatment are necessary. Naturally, folk remedies are used along with cosmetic and medicinal ones.

Folk remedies for eliminating swelling of the eyes

Folk recipes against swelling of the eyelids offer various masks, lotions for local use based on medicinal herbs, vegetables and fruits, or decoctions and infusions of them for internal use.

Cucumber slices, chamomile infusion or tea bags - traditional medicine offers many remedies to combat swelling

You can quickly relieve swelling in the eyes that appears after a feast, for example, with the help of simple parsley. It is useful to use any part of a garden plant - leaves, stems, roots. Greens have a diuretic and anti-inflammatory effect; traditional medicine recommends brewing the roots and seeds of the plant for internal use, and making external masks from a paste of parsley leaves. This is a proven, safe and affordable remedy.

What other available tools can you use:

Cold. An ice cube, a compress soaked in ice water, or a chilled tablespoon will help remove puffy eyes in the morning.
Carrot. If you are prone to swelling, it is useful to drink freshly squeezed carrot juice and make masks from the grated root vegetable. But masks will require caution, since carrots have a coloring effect.
Flax seeds. A spoonful of seeds is steamed in a thermos with a glass of boiling water and left overnight; the resulting decoction is filtered and taken a third of a glass throughout the day, or you can use it as an eye lotion. This is an ancient folk remedy for any swelling and inflammation.
Tea with peppermint or linden. These drugs also have anti-inflammatory, decongestant and diuretic effects. You can brew calendula, chamomile, sage, fireweed, and thyme.
Chilled milk. Cotton sponges are soaked in milk and applied to swollen eyes for a quarter of an hour.
Black or green tea bags. After drinking tea, you should not pour out the tea leaves or throw away the tea bags - this is an excellent, quick and effective remedy against bags under the eyes, swelling, and dark circles.
Potato. Use gruel from raw grated root vegetables or warm boiled potatoes, which should be peeled and mashed, as eye masks. To enhance the effect, you can add a spoonful of sour cream to the mixture.
Egg white. Protein has an astringent and smoothing effect, brightens the skin, smoothes it and tightens it. Beat the egg white a little with a fork and apply it under the eyes with a brush. After ten minutes, the mask is carefully washed off with warm water.

Removing swelling from the upper or lower eyelid is not so difficult. It is important to understand that they do not simply arise, and to prevent the recurrence of an unpleasant symptom.

Salty foods, alcohol, cigarettes, coffee and soda - this is what you need to forget about if circles and bags under the eyes bother you

Prevention measures

Preventing swelling is not so difficult if you follow these simple rules:

giving up alcohol and smoking;
healthy eating, adherence to sleep and rest patterns;
sports, hardening;
limiting salt intake;
use of high-quality cosmetics, compliance with hygiene rules;
the use of eye protection in hazardous industries, at sea, in the sunny season;
caution when playing and playing sports to avoid eye injuries;
timely treatment of any infectious diseases.

Conclusion. Puffiness of the eyelids is not such an innocent phenomenon as many people believe, and not just an unsightly cosmetic defect. Often this is a symptom of a serious internal disease that must be treated. Ignoring eye swelling can cause swelling of the eyeball, elephantiasis, glaucoma and even blindness. Therefore, you should first of all remember a healthy lifestyle and preventive measures. And if an unpleasant symptom does appear, then promptly seek help from a doctor.

If the upper eyelid of the eye is swollen, then a variety of factors can be the cause. Most often, this problem occurs in people over 40 years of age, since with age the skin becomes loose and the muscles become weak. To begin treatment, it is imperative to identify the root cause of the swelling, otherwise the situation can only worsen.

Causes of swelling of the eyelids

Much research has been done on why the upper eyelids swell. The appearance of such edema should serve as a signal of the presence of dangerous diseases, which means it is necessary to check the health of the entire body as soon as possible. It is better not to put off this problem for later, but to seek medical help.

Types of eyelid edema:

Inflammatory: the eyelid becomes red, itching, pain, and a burning sensation appear in the eye. An inflammatory infiltrate collects inside the eyelid.
Non-inflammatory: there are no unpleasant sensations - redness, pain, itching. There is only an increase in size of the eyelid.

All inflammatory processes that occur in the body often cause swelling of the upper eyelid. One cause is blepharitis, which is a group of very different eye disorders. Together they are united by inflammatory processes of the eyelids, which very often become chronic and accompanied by peeling and itching. In addition to this, there are other factors for eye swelling that are quite common:

When swelling appears in the eyes, you need to follow simple rules: first, identify the main factor; second - perform an examination, which may indicate the possibility of using a particular treatment method. It should be noted that inflammation of the bone tissue in the eye area can cause swelling.

Swelling of the eyelids after prolonged sleep

Patients are often interested in why their eyes swell in the morning and why their upper eyelids become red. Swelling after sleep can be a common failure of the rest regime or eating junk food. It is necessary to enrich your diet with an abundance of the freshest fruits and vegetables. Instead of carbonated drinks and coffee, you should drink purified drinking water, but stop taking it no later than three to four hours before bedtime. If you get rid of all bad habits, then swelling of the eyelids in the morning will be a thing of the past.

If possible, you should give your eyes more rest. About an hour before going to bed, you need to turn off the TV and computer. The eye muscles are strong, but they also need rest.

Diagnosis and treatment

To find out the cause of eyelid swelling, you need not to delay and undergo diagnostics, which is carried out visually. For a more accurate diagnosis, you need to take urine and blood tests. A blood test is necessary to calculate the level of protein, urine - to identify kidney pathologies. In some individual cases, a CT scan or ultrasound may be required.

At the first symptoms of eyelid swelling, you should not:

press or pierce an abscess;
warm the eyelid, apply oil compresses;
use decorative cosmetics;
wear contact lenses.

Quite often, swelling goes away after a certain time, but it is also possible that the situation will only get worse. This can happen if there are any serious abnormalities. In such cases, swelling appears not only on the eyelids, but also on other parts of the body.

The consequences of delayed treatment can be very different, including:

To eliminate swelling, you should definitely consult a specialist. Only the attending physician can say whether these procedures are necessary or not. Procedures that eliminate swelling include:

Masks, lotions and all kinds of creams are high-quality cosmetology products.
The use of suspensions or eye drops on an anti-inflammatory or hormonal basis, antiallergic drugs, diuretics.
Massages, thanks to which you can restore the functioning of the lymphatic system and remove excess fluid.
Traditional methods - masks, lotions or diuretic teas.

If swelling of the eyelids occurs in the morning, then it is first necessary to identify the cause of this phenomenon. If the cause is an allergic reaction, then you need to eliminate the allergen and take an antiallergic drug. If the reason lies in the disease, then the eyes will stop swelling only after complete recovery. In the case where swelling appears after an insect bite or wound, you should wait for complete healing. The release of excess fluid can be accelerated by the following methods: mesotherapy, physiotherapy, medication treatment.

Traditional medicine recipes

If your eyelids are swollen, traditional medicine will tell you what to do. In her arsenal there are many proven recipes that will help combat this problem. Most of them have parsley as the central ingredient. It is rich in useful substances and has anti-inflammatory and diuretic properties.

You can also prepare a parsley decoction. For 300 milliliters of water you will need 1 tablespoon of sugar, 3 tablespoons of leaves and 2 tablespoons of crushed root. Boil the mixture for 2-3 minutes, then cool. Take throughout the day.

A flax seed drink will also help remove excess fluid from the body and relieve the inflammatory process: add 4 teaspoons of seeds to a liter of water, bring to a boil, and leave on low heat for 20 minutes. Strain the drink, drink 200 milliliters warm before meals. You need to drink the drink for a course of 3 weeks.

Prevention of edema

In order to have a good morning and the reflection in the mirror does not spoil your mood for the whole day, you need to adhere to the following rules:

By following simple rules, this problem will bypass you. If the eye is swollen, and the upper eyelid has significantly increased in size, then it is best to seek help from a doctor to diagnose and treat the disease.

People crossing the thirty-year threshold often experience swelling of the upper eyelid. Many people underestimate this symptom, considering such swelling to be a reaction to an insect bite or simple fatigue. But, it should be noted that the causes of swelling of the upper eyelid can be much more serious.

Symptom Definition

Edema of the upper eyelid is an accumulation of fluid in the intercellular space. The fact is that the skin around the eyes contains practically no fat cells that could absorb excess water.

The eyelids, both upper and lower, are prone to swelling. This is due to the anatomical structure of this area. The eyeball is surrounded by loose fatty tissue that is prone to fluid accumulation. When there is an excess of moisture, these tissues bulge and seem to swell. These tissues are held together by a thin connective membrane. The skin of the eyelids, which is not rich in elastic fibers, turns into a bag and becomes noticeable. The thin skin of the eyelids, stretching, can itch. It has an extensive vascular network, and this, under certain conditions, promotes the transfer of moisture from the bloodstream to the surrounding tissues.

Causes of occurrence

Puffiness around the eyes can occur for almost any reason. If the reasons can be serious, requiring treatment, and in some cases they are quite banal and lie in little things, by eliminating which a person will regain his healthy appearance.

With repeated swelling of the upper eyelid, it is necessary to identify the causes of the symptom so as not to miss the initial stage of the disease that provoked this manifestation.

Most often, swelling of the upper eyelid appears in the morning. The reasons for this phenomenon may be harmless, but sometimes swelling indicates the presence of a disease.

Common reasons:

Consuming large amounts of salt, which is known to retain fluid in tissues.
Excess liquid drunk the night before. At night, processes in the body slow down, including the processing of water by the kidneys.
Smoking tobacco, drinking alcohol, using psychotropic substances;
Crying, which increases the secretion of tear fluid and activates blood circulation in the eye area. Often, wiping away tears leads to irritation of the eyelid tissue, which can cause it to swell.
Careless manipulations with hands, for example, when the eyes itch. In this case, microtrauma and swelling are also possible.
Stressful situations and lack of sleep;
Uncomfortable head position during sleep;
Cosmetology procedures. The occurrence of edema of the upper eyelid is possible with injections of Botox or its analogues, after tattooing of the eyelids, mesotherapy;
Individual predisposition to edema;

If the upper eyelids swell, the reason may be hidden in the banal process of aging. Age-related changes in the body significantly increase the tendency to edema.

Associated symptoms

With swelling caused by inflammatory processes, there are characteristic symptoms, such as:

Redness of the eyelids;
Increased body temperature;
Pronounced capillary network;
Pain in the eyelids.

Possible diseases

Edema can be inflammatory or non-inflammatory in nature. With inflammatory reactions, as already mentioned, additional symptoms occur.

If the eyelid of one eye is swollen, this may be caused by ailments such as stye, or. If the infection touches the conjunctiva, it develops. In this case, the tissues of the lower and upper eyelids of the eye may be affected simultaneously.

Swelling of inflammatory etiology also occurs with colds and various sinusitis. If unilateral itching occurs and the upper eyelid swells, the causes are often associated with local exposure to an allergen or irritant. This often manifests itself

Treatment of styes on the eye with medications is described in.

Pathological conditions that provoke swelling of the eyelid:

Diseases of the heart and blood vessels;
Pathologies of the kidneys and urinary tract;
Inflammation in the paranasal sinuses;
Allergy;
Disorders in the cervical area.

In pathologies of the cardiovascular system, swelling is more often localized in the lower part of the body, respectively, getting worse in the evening. In severe cases, swelling can spread to the face and eyelids. They are accompanied by fluctuations in blood pressure, shortness of breath, and heart rhythm disturbances.

Morning swelling - this is often a sign of kidney and urinary system diseases. This affects the tissues of the face and upper limbs. Swelling on the eyelids is combined with urinary disturbances and increased blood pressure.

If your upper eyelids swell in the morning regularly over a long period of time, you should consult a doctor and undergo appropriate tests.

In children, swelling of the upper eyelids most often occurs due to a cold. However, morning swelling of the eyes in a child may be a sign of a dangerous condition, for example, increased intracranial pressure.

Swelling of the upper eyelid in infants can occur due to the eruption of baby teeth, as well as milk intolerance or protein metabolism disorders.

Older children may suffer from edema when spending long periods of time in front of a computer screen, tablet, etc.

Improper daily routine, passive lifestyle, oxygen starvation due to lack of walking - all this can lead to swelling of the upper eyelid.

Diagnostics

In most cases, the doctor can make a diagnosis after an external examination of the patient and collection of anamnesis based on the clinical picture. The doctor determines the presence or absence of elevated body temperature, the presence of erythema, the nature of the edema (bilateral or unilateral), as well as the degree of pain. Additional

research is necessary when:
Subcutaneous cellulite;
Cavernous sinus thrombosis;
Systemic diseases.

Treatment

It is possible to relieve swelling only after identifying the cause that provoked this symptom. If the culprit is lack of sleep or disturbances in water-electrolyte metabolism, then in this case it would be appropriate to normalize sleep patterns, take diuretics and limit fluid and salt intake.

For swelling the following can help:

Lymphatic drainage massage;
Applying ice;
Masks;
Cooling eye gel.

For swelling of the upper eyelids, eye exercises performed every 3 hours give good results. An example of one of the exercises: hands are placed on the temporal region and, with the help of facial movements, they try to return the skin back to its original position.

A mask made from parsley mixed with sour cream is very effective.

If the cause of swelling of the upper eyelid is an allergic reaction, then, in addition to eye medications, lymphatic drainage massage will have a good effect at the initial stage . It is performed by massaging the temples and corners of the eyes for 2 minutes. At the end of the massage, lightly tap with your fingertips around the eyes.

Read what eye drops for allergies you should take.

For swelling of the upper eyelid, ice cubes are placed on the eyes and held for 5-10 minutes to stimulate blood circulation.

Cubes prepared with sage decoction give an excellent effect. In addition, you can use an eye gel made from herbal ingredients. It is applied immediately after waking up or before applying makeup and kept for no more than 10 minutes.

Often women experience allergic swelling as a result of using low-quality or incorrectly selected decorative cosmetics. In this case, you should replace it with hypoallergenic cosmetics.

If swelling occurs regularly and the cause cannot be found, a full examination of the body is necessary, which will most likely reveal some diseases of the internal organs.

There is a more serious cause of swelling - drooping of the upper eyelid. This disease is called (“ptosis” translated from Greek as “fall”). Ptosis can only be eliminated surgically.

Sudden swelling can be treated with home remedies. Contrast compresses, applying tampons made from herbal, potato, and tea decoctions help relieve unsightly swelling on the upper eyelid.

Normalizing your daily routine, healthy eating, giving up bad habits, long walks in the fresh air, dosed eye strain, and doing gymnastics are the first helpers in the fight against swelling of the eyelids.

Professional cosmetology also has an arsenal of methods that can get rid of swelling. Among such means it should be noted:

Special creams;
Lymphatic drainage methods;
Myostimulation;
Mesotherapy;
Cryotherapy.

Preventive measures

Measures to prevent swelling of the upper eyelid:

Timely treatment of inflammatory diseases;
Limiting the consumption of table salt and liquid;
Quitting tobacco and alcohol;
Healthy lifestyle;
Physical education classes;
Hardening activities;
Compliance with hygiene rules;
Regular comprehensive medical examination;
Observation by an allergist and compliance with his recommendations (for allergy sufferers);
Compliance with safety regulations at work.

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conclusions

So, it may be a symptom of ordinary fatigue, poor lifestyle, or a signal of the presence of a systemic disease. If this phenomenon occurs regularly, you should seek help from a doctor. Remember that prevention is the best cure. Any inflammatory process goes faster if normal metabolism is maintained in the body, and the person takes care of his health and leads a positively active lifestyle.

Also read in what to do if swelling of the upper eyelid appears.

The skin of the eyelids, very thin and easily stretchable, is sensitive to any impact, be it a speck caught in gas or a new skin cream. In addition, this area has a highly developed vascular network and with a strong blood flow, swelling can easily form. Loose subcutaneous tissue located under the skin also contributes to the accumulation of fluid in the eyelids.
There are many reasons for the appearance of swelling under the eyes: from a sleepless night to a serious illness. Medicine divides them into two large groups:
physiological and pathological.

Physiological reasons

Swelling of the eyelids can be a consequence of an unhealthy lifestyle, and giving up bad habits will very quickly save you from an unpleasant change in appearance.
First of all, your eyes will swell if you drank a lot of liquid the day before. Puffiness under the eyes also occurs in people who abuse alcohol and smoke. In the first case, fluid retention occurs, which will be especially noticeable in the morning; in the second, oxygen starvation due to harmful tobacco smoke is to blame.

Also, a passion for salty and canned foods leads to the formation of edema, due to the property of salt to attract and retain liquid. The fact is that in our body there is not pure water, but a solution of salts in a certain concentration, called physiological. And if this concentration increases due to an excess of salts, the body rushes to return the required ratio using liquid. This is why we feel so thirsty after eating salty foods.

By the way, tears, which also contain salt, cause swelling of the eyelids due to their irritating effect on the skin under the eyes and increased activity of the lacrimal glands.
Overwork, lack of sleep and fresh air, prolonged reading and sitting at the computer also have a negative impact on your appearance.
Contact with smoke or toxic fumes can cause irritation in the eye area, resulting in swelling.

Very often, swollen lower eyelids occur in pregnant women, especially in the last month of pregnancy. In this case, the fluid accumulated in the body leaves it too slowly due to the overall load on the kidneys. Also, changes in hormonal levels (increased estrogen levels) contribute to fluid retention.
Incorrect use of cosmetics may be the cause of swelling of the lower eyelids. For example, if you don’t wash off your makeup at night, then the next morning you may find “bags” under your eyes on your face. Excessive lubrication of the lower eyelids with a cream, especially one not intended for this area, will certainly lead to swelling and even irritation of the skin.

In addition, a blow to the eye and the formation of a hematoma also causes swelling of the eyelid.

And another physiological reason is the small amount of fluid consumed. Here a compensatory mechanism is triggered, triggering the accumulation of fluid in case of dehydration.
In some cases, swollen lower eyelids will not indicate any change in the body. This is observed in the case of hereditary structural features of the eyelids, as well as with aging of the body.

Pathological causes

However, swelling under the eyes is not always so safe. Sometimes they can be a symptom of a medical condition that requires serious attention. Therefore, it is important to be able to distinguish between these symptoms in order to consult a doctor in time and begin treatment.
Swelling of the lower eyelids in the morning is a possible sign of kidney dysfunction. Renal edema, in addition to the area around the eyes, is observed on the legs and abdomen. Possible kidney pathology will also be indicated by various urination disorders, a decrease in the amount of daily urine, a change in its color, general poor health, and lower back pain.

Diseases of the cardiovascular system can also be accompanied by swelling under the eyes, sometimes quite severe. But, unlike those with kidney diseases, cardiac edema appears in the late afternoon, after prolonged standing and is accompanied by shortness of breath, general weakness, and pain in the heart. In both cases, edema occurs due to an increase in the volume of fluid in the body due to insufficient elimination or poor heart function.

Swelling of the lower eyelids also occurs in liver diseases, which will also cause pain in the right hypochondrium, nausea, bitterness in the mouth, and yellowing of the skin.
Inflammatory processes of the eyes and sinuses, such as conjunctivitis, blepharitis, sinusitis and others, are always the cause of swelling of the lower eyelids. With these diseases, in addition to swelling, there is itching, a feeling of dryness, redness of the eyes, and sometimes purulent discharge. If the sinuses are affected, then in addition to nasal congestion, you will also experience headaches and general weakness. Swelling in these cases occurs due to the inflammatory process and increased blood flow into the capillary network near the eyes.

Some allergic reactions also include swelling of the eyelids, sneezing, and increased tearing. Unlike other diseases, with an allergic reaction, all symptoms quickly go away if the cause is excluded and there is no contact with the allergen.

Constant swelling under the eyes appears due to diseases of the thyroid gland under the influence of hormones. Symptoms such as chilliness in the extremities, formation in the neck, changes in voice and mood, as well as disturbances in the menstrual cycle in women and potency in men will help to suspect this disease.

Causes of edema in children

Swelling of the lower eyelids in children occurs, most often, due to prolonged exposure to the computer, watching TV, sometimes due to reading and poor sleep. Prolonged crying, especially with intense rubbing of the eyes, can contribute to swelling and redness of the eyelids. Addiction to soda, smoked meats, canned food and simply salty foods also does not pass without a trace. In children, bags under the eyes can often be associated with a lack of fresh air, namely oxygen, and excess weight.

However, sometimes swelling of the lower eyelids in a child can be an indicator of the disease. In order to distinguish physiological edema from edema caused by disease, it is necessary to apply light pressure on the lower eyelids. If there is a mark left at the place of pressure that slowly restores its shape, then parents should show the child to the pediatrician. Possible causes of puffy eyes in children are similar to those in adults. These may be problems with the cardiovascular system, kidneys, increased intracranial pressure, allergic reactions (bronchial asthma can often manifest itself this way), various sinusitis and adenoids. In the latter case, the child will be bothered by a stuffy nose, a nasal voice, difficulty breathing, a cough, and sometimes an increase in temperature and a decrease in school performance. Subsequently, in the absence of treatment, an adenoid face may form, which will be impossible to cure.

Therefore, it is very important to consult a doctor on time so as not to start the process and get rid of all diseases on time.

Diagnosis and identification of the main cause of swelling of the lower eyelids

Of course, in order to correctly find out the cause of swelling of the lower eyelids and make an accurate diagnosis, you need to consult a doctor. Most often, this will be a therapist who, based on questions, examination and examination results, will be able to detect the disease and prescribe treatment or refer to a more specialized specialist. What tests can help determine the cause of swelling of the lower eyelids?

The doctor will prescribe general and biochemical blood tests, which may reveal an elevated level of white blood cells, indicating an inflammatory process in the body, or elevated levels of liver enzymes, indicating problems in this organ. In case of kidney diseases, urine tests will change: general, analysis according to Zimnitsky and Nechiporenko, daily diuresis (the total amount of urine excreted per day). An electrocardiogram, radiography of the sinuses and ultrasound examination of the heart, kidneys, thyroid gland and abdominal organs will also help in the diagnosis. An allergist will help identify allergies by conducting tests with various allergens, and eye diseases will be diagnosed by an ophthalmologist.

Ways to treat puffiness under the eyes

If swelling of the lower eyelids occurs due to an incorrect lifestyle, then they disappear without a trace when you give up bad habits. To improve the appearance and health of the body as a whole, it is recommended to spend more time in the fresh air, limit the consumption of salty, spicy and smoked foods and eat more vegetables, fruits and boiled meat. If your child sits at the computer or on the phone for days, you should limit this time to two hours a day.

Also, you should not get carried away with cosmetics and creams; make-up must be washed off several hours before bedtime with special products, and creams must be used with caution and for their intended purpose.

If swelling under the eyes is associated with any disease, it must be treated in accordance with the recommendations of the attending physician. Of course, such swelling is more persistent and less treatable, but it is also possible to get rid of them.
Modern cosmetology has enough means to solve the problems of swelling of the lower eyelids, however, traditional medicine also knows many treatment methods.

Parsley is a very effective remedy for puffiness under the eyes. It can be brewed with boiling water, frozen in ice cubes or mixed with sour cream.

A simple cucumber, boiled potatoes or strawberries also reduce swelling. Some medicinal herbs help cope with the problem. These are sage, linden, string, chamomile. Compresses with these decoctions for 15 minutes will help relieve swelling under the eyes. Quick methods to hide “bags under the eyes” at home and tighten the skin a little are raw egg whites and pieces of frozen black bread. You can simply apply cold metal spoons to your closed eyes for a few minutes.

It is also recommended to make compresses from tea leaves at room temperature and a mask of cucumber with pumpkin and honey. In addition to these methods, there are special exercises for the eyes, which also improve vision, and acupressure, the technique of which is as follows: you need to lightly press on the lower eyelids, as if squeezing the swelling onto the cheeks.

To quickly get rid of dark circles under your eyes, you can put your face in a bowl of cold water for a few seconds. Repeat the procedure for several days three to four times. A cold infusion of birch leaves and cabbage pulp also helps.

Of course, the choice of product depends on your desire and individual characteristics (you should not choose products to which you are allergic, for example).

Prevention of swelling of the lower eyelids will consist of maintaining a healthy lifestyle, a balanced diet, sufficient exposure to fresh air, as well as ventilating the room before bed, proper rest and giving up bad habits. And, besides this, do not forget about the timely treatment of any diseases and following the recommendations of doctors. You should not self-medicate where medications or even surgery are necessary.

Edema of the upper eyelid manifests itself as a voluminous swelling on the eyelid, preventing the swollen eye from fully opening. The cause of swelling of the eyelids can be both seasonal infectious diseases and inflammatory processes occurring in adjacent areas. If the eye regularly swells, it must be treated to prevent complications from developing. But before prescribing treatment, it is necessary to understand why swelling of the upper eyelid of one eye occurred and how to prevent its return in the future.

Why does the upper eyelid of one eye swell?

Swelling in one eye is a symptom of more than seven dozen diseases. The appearance of edema is the body’s reaction to stressful conditions or an external irritant, loss of the ability to control the normal functioning of cells and tissues. Among the most common conditions leading to edema are:

Viruses, infections. A viral disease can be complicated by swelling of the upper eyelids, swelling of the lower eyelid, or even the entire eye. If left untreated, inflammation develops and pus begins to ooze from the cavities under the swollen area.
Allergy. Depending on the type of allergens, ocular swelling may occur as a complication of local dermatitis or as part of a widespread, life-threatening swelling of the entire face (also known as angioedema, requiring hospital treatment).
Mechanical injuries. The skin of the upper eyelids is thin and sensitive, so it can be easily injured, scratched, injured by an active solution, decorative cosmetics, etc. An otherwise harmless insect bite on the upper eyelid will cause swelling. The skin turns slightly blue. In the absence of subsequent injuries, the swelling does not progress and resolves on its own after a few days.
Stye, blepharitis, other eye diseases. Swelling of the eyelids, which occurs as a complication of other eye diseases, completely disappears only after treatment of the root cause.
Chronic diseases. Heart failure, dysfunction of the urinary system, oncology, etc. – conditions due to which many changes occur in the body. Puffy face – one of the first signs of illness. If swelling appears regularly, without any obvious reasons, especially in the morning, then it makes sense to visit not only an ophthalmologist, but also a general practitioner.
Genetic predisposition. People with thin, sensitive skin may experience eyelid swelling on a daily basis. A glass of water, excitement or intense physical exercise are the background against which swelling occurs. In this case, the condition usually affects both eyes evenly, the swelling subsides within 2-3 hours.

Causes of swelling

The eyelid swells due to weakness and thinness of the skin, oversaturation of capillaries (excess fluid affects the eyes first) and minimal muscle volume in the eye area. Even if you have not experienced painful swelling of the upper eyelids, you probably felt heaviness in your eyes - as if something was pressing on the swollen eyelids from above, preventing them from being lifted. If you look at a person complaining of such sensations, you will notice that the puffy eyes seem smaller than usual. The problem is excess water, which increases the swelling of the upper eyelid of one eye and causes swelling.

Doctors identify the following causes of swelling of the upper eyelids:

Inflammation. Accompanied by redness, a noticeable increase in size of the eyelids, and increased temperature. On palpation there is dull pain in the swollen tissues. Inflammatory processes leading to swelling of the upper eyelids can occur both in the eye and in the sinuses.
Allergen. The eyelid swells either when an allergen is eaten or inhaled, or when there is physical contact with the allergen. Occasionally, the swollen area may hurt or itch, but touching or massaging the swollen eyelid is not recommended to avoid mechanical injury.
Metabolic disease. Both eyes usually swell in the morning, but no complications, redness of the skin or pain are observed. Puffy eyelids may become temporarily pale.

Some popular cosmetic procedures can cause temporary eyelid swelling, which doctors do not consider a sign of illness. In particular, permanent tattooing causes swelling in the area around the eyes, which completely disappears only 2-3 days after the session.

Learn more about the causes of edema from this video:

What to do and how to treat?

Swelling of the upper eyelid is a serious condition that can lead to displacement of the eyeball. Consult your doctor to find out the exact cause of swollen eyelids and get recommendations on how to eliminate it. Medicines and eye treatments are selected depending on the irritant.

Treatment of inflammatory edema of the upper eyelid

To eliminate swelling caused by inflammation, drugs with antibacterial or antiviral effects are prescribed. If swelling is accompanied by a cold or barley, several types of drugs are used: antimicrobial microbes and vitamins for oral administration, antiseptic rinses, anti-inflammatory ointments and drops.

Therapy may include:

Elimination of the irritant - if the inflammation is caused by contact with the active substance.
Rinsing swollen eyes with an antiseptic - in case of accumulation of pus, pain, high temperature. Processing is carried out with special care so as not to damage the thin skin.
Instillation of anti-inflammatory drops (Diclofenac, Combinil, Maxitrol, etc.). Conducted daily. For infections with purulent complications, preference is given to corticosteroids (used only when prescribed by the attending physician).
Anti-inflammatory ointments to alleviate the condition (Zirgan, Solcoseryl, Bonafton, etc.).
A course of antiviral drugs according to the patient's general symptoms.
A course of vitamins, incl. and in the form of eye drops - to strengthen weakened, swollen tissues and restore tone.

To quickly remove swelling, physiotherapy is prescribed: electrical stimulation, mesotherapy, antiseptic compresses, etc. The admissibility of the procedures is determined by the attending physician.

Treatment of edema caused by mechanical trauma

In case of swelling due to a bruise, scratch or bite, the physical injury is treated first: when the lesion disappears, the swelling will go away on its own. Rehabilitation measures may include:

Cold compresses. Chilled herbal decoctions, solutions with small additions of drugs, antiseptics, etc. can be used as a basis for compresses.
Disinfection of the affected area. Wounds on the eyelids are not considered dangerous, but if an infection occurs, purulent infection with complications can begin. Treatment with bacterial agents 2-3 times a day is enough to prevent inflammation.
Isolate the affected area. For a smooth recovery, the wounded eyelid needs additional protection. The affected eye is covered with a medical bandage or bandages, due to which the wound surface is protected from infection.

You should also understand why the eyelid lesion occurred and how to prevent its recurrence. Additional means to eliminate swelling are not required; eye drops are not prescribed. If the swelling does not go away within 4-5 days, it is recommended to consult a doctor again.

Therapy for an allergic reaction is prescribed depending on the type of allergen and the nature of the encounter. There are two cases:

Direct contact with the mucous membranes of the eye. In this case, only the affected eye swells; the swelling is local and does not spread. Soothing antiallergic drops (Lecrolin, Allergodil, Opatanol, etc.) are prescribed, which are used at least 3-4 times a day.
General defeat. When reacting to a food or respiratory allergen, the area of swelling is rarely limited to a single eyelid. If both eyes are swollen, to relieve symptoms, a drug that stops the allergic reaction (Suprastin, Cetirizine, etc.) is prescribed, depending on the individual characteristics of the patient. If the patient has not previously suffered from allergies, it may take up to two weeks to select a medication. It is important not to delay contacting a doctor to avoid the development of allergic conjunctivitis.

For allergic eye swelling, folk remedies, decoctions and infusions, which can calm inflammation in other cases, are contraindicated. An advanced allergic reaction puts the body into an “emergency” state, due to which the immune system can react to natural components that normally do not cause an allergic attack in the patient.

Treatment of non-inflammatory swelling

If the eyelids swell regularly, the treatment program is designed to normalize the functioning of the main body systems. Depending on the patient's condition, the following may be recommended:

Restoring sleep schedule;
Adjusting the diet, reducing the amount of salt in the diet;
Restoring water balance;
Increasing the level of daily physical activity;
Quitting bad habits (alcohol, smoking, etc.).

These measures make it possible to neutralize the cause of edema, negating its further occurrence. To quickly remove existing swelling, cold compresses are applied to swollen eyes, and diuretics with a mild effect are prescribed.

Of the physiotherapeutic procedures, the fastest results are achieved by hardware or manual lymphatic drainage massage. It refreshes the complexion, restores tone to the skin and muscles, and accelerates the dissolution of stagnant fluid.

In some cases, excess volume on the upper eyelid cannot be removed by using medications, dispersing fluid, etc. This occurs when the eyelid becomes full due to the formation of a fatty hernia. It can occur in one eye, or in both eyes at once, due to taking hormonal medications, rapid weight gain, or certain endocrine diseases.

The cause of the changed appearance of swollen eyes - a fatty hernia - can only be eliminated through surgery performed by a plastic surgeon. The operation has the following effect:

Getting rid of swelling;
Fresh look, feeling of lightness;
Restoring the mobility of the upper eyelids;
Visual enlargement of the eyes.

The procedure is prescribed after determining the condition of the moving tissues in the area of the swollen eyelids. If the eye is affected by a hernia, surgical treatment is necessary, since the body cannot cope with such a problem on its own.

Preventive measures

Preventing eyelid swelling is much easier than removing it. Follow these simple rules to avoid swelling above the eye:

Reduce fluid intake before bed. Try to drink your last glass of water at least an hour and a half before going to bed: this reduces the likelihood of puffy areas appearing on your face.
Cleanse your body at least once a month. There are various ways to remove excess fluid from internal systems: salt baths, natural decoctions, diuretics, daily fasting. Choose a method that fits into your daily routine - and you can forget about swelling.
Maintain moderation in the use of salt and seasonings. Spicy and salty dishes provoke swelling of the eyes, while at the same time weaning us from sensitivity to complex and subtle flavors.
Wash with antibacterial products. Swelling of the eyelids, styes, conjunctivitis - all these diseases are more likely to occur if the sensitive area of the eyes is not protected from viruses and bacteria. It is enough to wipe your face twice a day to significantly reduce the risk of infection.