From the Research
Treatment for periorbital edema should be guided by its underlying cause, with the most recent and highest quality study suggesting a comprehensive approach to mitigate periocular edema, including corticosteroids, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and cryotherapy 1. Periorbital edema can be caused by various factors, including infections, allergies, thyroid disease, and trauma.
- For mild cases, home remedies such as cold compresses, elevating the head while sleeping, reducing salt intake, and staying hydrated can be beneficial.
- Over-the-counter antihistamines like diphenhydramine (Benadryl) 25-50mg every 4-6 hours or loratadine (Claritin) 10mg daily may help if allergies are the cause.
- For more severe cases or those caused by infection, medical treatment is necessary, which may include antibiotic eye drops like tobramycin or oral antibiotics such as amoxicillin-clavulanate 875/125mg twice daily for 7-10 days.
- If the edema is due to thyroid disease, treating the underlying condition is essential.
- Corticosteroid creams like hydrocortisone 1% may be prescribed for inflammatory causes, although the effectiveness of corticosteroids in treating periorbital and orbital cellulitis is still uncertain and requires further high-quality evidence 2.
- Persistent or severe periorbital edema warrants medical evaluation as it could indicate serious conditions like orbital cellulitis, kidney disease, or heart failure. The effectiveness of treatment relates directly to addressing the root cause rather than just the symptom of swelling around the eyes, and a systematic approach is warranted to determine the underlying diagnosis and provide appropriate management 3, 4.