From the Guidelines
Swollen eyelids are most commonly caused by conjunctivitis, which can be triggered by various factors including infections, allergies, and irritants, as evident in the study by 1. The causes of swollen eyelids can be broadly categorized into:
- Infections: Conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye, is a common cause of swollen eyelids, and it can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or other microorganisms, as seen in the study by 1.
- Allergies: Allergic reactions to pollen, pet dander, makeup, or contact lens solutions can trigger eyelid swelling, accompanied by itching and redness, as noted in the study by 1.
- Injuries: Physical trauma from rubbing eyes, insect bites, or direct injury may lead to fluid accumulation in the eyelid tissues, as mentioned in the study by 1.
- Underlying medical conditions: Systemic conditions including thyroid disorders, particularly Graves' disease, can cause eyelid swelling, as can fluid retention from kidney problems or heart failure, as discussed in the study by 1. Some key points to consider when evaluating swollen eyelids include:
- The presence of discharge or crusting on the eyelids, which can indicate an infection, as seen in the study by 1.
- The presence of itching or burning sensations, which can indicate an allergic reaction, as noted in the study by 1.
- The presence of vision changes, severe pain, or fever, which can indicate a more serious underlying condition, as mentioned in the study by 1. In order to manage swollen eyelids, it is essential to identify the underlying cause and provide appropriate treatment, which may include antibiotics, antihistamines, or other medications, as well as lifestyle changes such as avoiding irritants and using cold compresses, as recommended in the study by 1.
From the Research
Causes of Swollen Eyelids
- Swollen eyelids can be caused by various factors, including allergic conjunctivitis, which is a subtype of non-infectious conjunctivitis 2.
- Allergic conjunctivitis is often a reaction to airborne allergens, topical and systemic drugs, or cosmetics, and can also be caused by animal hairs from cats and/or dogs 2.
- Other causes of conjunctivitis, such as viral or bacterial conjunctivitis, can also lead to swollen eyelids, with bacterial conjunctivitis being the second most common cause of infectious conjunctivitis 3.
- Allergic conjunctivitis can be sub-classified into different forms, including seasonal allergic conjunctivitis, atopic conjunctivitis, vernal conjunctivitis, and conjunctivitis associated with various oculomucocutaneous syndromes, each with distinctive features and treatments 2, 4.
- The release of histamine, tryptase, leukotrienes, cytokines, and prostaglandins from mast cells can initiate an inflammatory response in the conjunctival mucosa, leading to symptoms such as itching, tearing, chemosis, and hyperemia 5.
- Comorbidities with other systemic atopic conditions, such as asthma, atopic dermatitis, and rhinitis, can also contribute to the development of swollen eyelids in patients with allergic conjunctivitis 6.