What is the cause of left eyelid swelling (periorbital edema)?

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Differential Diagnosis for Left Eyelid Swollen

  • Single most likely diagnosis
    • Blepharitis: This is an inflammation of the eyelids that can cause swelling, usually due to a bacterial or demodex mite infection. It's a common condition and often presents with eyelid swelling, redness, and sometimes crusting around the eyelashes.
  • Other Likely diagnoses
    • Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye): This is an infection or inflammation of the outer membrane of the eyeball and the inner eyelid. It can cause swelling of the eyelid, along with redness, itching, and discharge.
    • Hordeolum (Stye): A localized infection or inflammation of the eyelid margin involving hair follicles of the eyelashes or meibomian glands. It presents as a painful, swollen nodule on the eyelid.
    • Allergic Reaction: Allergies can cause swelling of the eyelid due to an immune response, often accompanied by itching, redness, and sometimes tearing.
  • Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
    • Orbital Cellulitis: A serious infection of the tissues surrounding the eye, which can cause eyelid swelling, along with fever, vision changes, and severe pain. It requires prompt medical attention to prevent serious complications.
    • Cavernous Sinus Thrombosis: A rare but potentially life-threatening condition where a blood clot forms in the cavernous sinus, which can be a complication of facial or sinus infections. Symptoms can include eyelid swelling, along with vision changes, headache, and fever.
  • Rare diagnoses
    • Angioedema: A rare condition characterized by the rapid swelling of the dermis, subcutaneous tissue, mucosa, and submucosal tissues. It can cause significant eyelid swelling and is often associated with other systemic symptoms.
    • Graves' Disease: An autoimmune disorder that can cause bulging of the eyes (exophthalmos) and swelling of the eyelids, among other symptoms. It's less common but should be considered in the differential diagnosis of eyelid swelling.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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