| You can also manage your communication preferences by updating your account at anytime. Only a doctor can diagnose what’s causing your eyelid to swell. You'll start receiving the latest news, benefits, events, and programs related to AARP's mission to empower people to choose how they live as they age. If your upper or lower eyelid is swollen, it could be from a cyst or chalazion. Most commonly, a virus or bacterial infection causes pinkeye. Pink eye (conjunctivitis) Pinkeye is redness and swelling of the membrane that lines the eyelid, called the conjunctiva. “A lot of chalazions will start to feel better and will drain, like a blemish erupting,” Andreoli says. What's prompting the puffiness? Pink eye is a very common eye infection that causes the eyes to become pink, irritated and swollen. Eye allergies, or allergic conjunctivitis, can make your eyes itchy, red, and watery. However, the condition can affect adults as well. If you find one or both of your eyes become swollen, red,itchy and irritated, you may have got red eyes. Please return to AARP.org to learn more about other benefits. WW will help you build a customized weight loss plan. Conjunctivitis. It can start from one eye and spread to both. Pink eye (conjunctivitis) Pinkeye is redness and swelling of the membrane that lines the eyelid, called the conjunctiva. “Secretions become thicker, like sludgy toothpaste,” Ng notes. Red eye is caused by allergies,bacteria or viruses. If those are possible causes, then swelling will often be in both eyes. A dog eye is a critical organ in its life. To keep flare-ups to a minimum, “start with a warm compress,” Ahmad suggests. Hay fever. Eyes. Extensive scarring can also prevent eyelash growth. It is extremely contagious, for that reason it is essential to avoid touching your eyes or sharing eye items. Graves' disease is usually treated with radiation or thyroid surgery, but the eye effects may be permanent after treatment. You can reduce the swelling with compresses, but treating a swollen eyelid depends on the cause. Causes of Swollen Eyelid Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis) An eye infection or conjunctivitis often manifests in kids as a pink eye. Chalazion (or cyst) Cellulitis. Pink eye, also known as conjunctivitis, is an inflammation of the conjunctiva. Oral antihistamines can also help. Treatment: For relief, hold a wet heated cloth over your eye. Here are a few common causes. This infection causes inflammation, redness, and watery itchy eyes with drain. by Barbara Stepko, AARP, January 2, 2020 Conjunctiva is the clear lining of the eye’s surface. www.aarp.org/volunteer. This eye conditi… Swollen eyelids are often caused by an allergic reaction to something in your environment. I went to dr and it isnt pink eye or anything of that nature. The oil becomes too thick to flow out of the gland and causes a blockage. Swollen eyes can be caused by many different factors, including allergies, styes, a blocked gland, traumatic eye injury, and conjunctivitis (“pink eye”). Dr. Joha Haasbroek answered (Hint: Hot baths, spicy foods, caffeinated drinks and alcohol are not your friends.). Let’s Finally Settle the Great Eye Cream Debate, About Face: How to Handle Dry Skin Under Your Eyes, 8 Nutrients That Will Optimize Your Eye Health, Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT, trauma or injury, often accompanied by discoloration. 2. 2. Common Causes for One Swollen Eyelid The eyelids may become swollen, and the eyes may become red, itchy, and irritated. 4. Find out which treatments you can use to heal and prevent dry skin beneath your eyes. Hay fever, an allergic reaction to outdoor pollens and molds, causes nasal congestion, itchy eyes, and more. Pink eye. Eyes can become reddish and itchy, sometimes with swollen, crusty lids, and you may have a watery or sticky discharge. They contain an antihistamine that provides relief from allergic reaction symptoms like a swollen eyelid, eye inflammation or a burning sensation. If that bump won't budge, see your doctor. Styes – Styes are located at the edge of the eyelid and appear as a swollen, red, painful bump. Certain medications can also be triggers. The eye may get better on its own without treatment. What Causes Swollen Upper Eyelid? 2. Causes of Swollen Eyelid It usually takes a few weeks before it clears up. Bacterial or viral infection or an allergic reaction are the common cause of a pink eye. AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that empowers people to choose how they live as they age. “Wet a washcloth, throw it in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds so it's hot but not so hot that it will burn your hand,” says Andreoli. 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