Differential Diagnosis for Swollen Eyelid
- Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Allergic conjunctivitis: This is often the most common cause of swollen eyelids, typically presenting with itching, redness, and tearing in addition to swelling, due to an allergic reaction to substances like pollen or dust.
- Other Likely Diagnoses
- Blepharitis: An inflammation of the eyelids that can cause swelling, redness, and itching, often associated with bacterial or demodex mite infestations.
- 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 subcutaneous tissues that can cause eyelid swelling, redness, and warmth, often accompanied by fever and malaise.
- Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Orbital cellulitis: A serious infection of the tissues surrounding the eye, which can cause eyelid swelling, proptosis (bulging of the eye), and limited eye movement, requiring prompt medical attention to prevent serious complications.
- 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 eye complications.
- Rare Diagnoses
- Thyroid eye disease: A condition associated with Graves' disease that can cause eyelid swelling, proptosis, and eye movement abnormalities due to inflammation and tissue deposition behind the eye.
- Sarcoidosis: A systemic disease that can cause granulomatous inflammation in various parts of the body, including the eyelids, leading to swelling and other ocular manifestations.
- Basal cell carcinoma or other eyelid tumors: Although rare, these can cause localized swelling and should be considered in the differential diagnosis, especially in older adults or those with a history of skin cancer.