Differential Diagnosis for Swollen Eyelid
- Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Allergic conjunctivitis: This is often the most common cause of a swollen eyelid, typically presenting with itching, redness, and tearing, and is frequently seen in individuals with a history of allergies.
- Other Likely Diagnoses
- Blepharitis: An inflammation of the eyelids that can cause swelling, redness, and itching, often associated with poor eyelid hygiene or conditions like rosacea.
- Hordeolum (stye): A localized infection or inflammation of the eyelid margin involving hair follicles of the eyelashes or meibomian glands, which can cause swelling, pain, and redness.
- Chalazion: A small bump on the eyelid due to a blocked oil gland, which can cause swelling and may become inflamed or infected.
- Cellulitis: A bacterial infection of the skin and tissues beneath, which can cause swelling, redness, and warmth of the eyelid, often requiring antibiotic treatment.
- Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Orbital cellulitis: A serious infection of the tissues surrounding the eye, which can cause swelling of the eyelid, proptosis (bulging of the eye), and vision changes, requiring prompt medical attention.
- Angioedema: A condition characterized by rapid swelling of the dermis, subcutaneous tissue, mucosa, and submucosal tissues, which can cause significant eyelid swelling and potentially compromise the airway if it involves the face and neck.
- Herpes zoster (shingles): A viral infection that can cause a painful rash and swelling, particularly if it affects the ophthalmic division of the trigeminal nerve, potentially leading to serious complications like vision loss.
- Rare Diagnoses
- Sarcoidosis: A condition that can cause inflammation in various parts of the body, including the eyelids, leading to swelling and other symptoms.
- Thyroid eye disease: Associated with Graves' disease, it can cause swelling of the eyelids, proptosis, and other ocular symptoms due to autoimmune inflammation.
- Leukemia or lymphoma: In rare cases, these cancers can manifest with eyelid swelling due to infiltration of malignant cells into the tissues around the eye.