Eye swelling is a fairly common condition that occurs due to a variety of reasons. It could be associated with an injury, allergy, infection, or even the side effect of certain medications.

The swelling could affect one or both eyes and may be accompanied by other symptoms such as redness, itching, or pain.

Causes of Eye Swelling

There are several possible causes of eye swelling. Here are the most common ones:.

Allergic Conjunctivitis

Allergic conjunctivitis is an allergic reaction that occurs when your eyes come in contact with an allergen such as pollen, pet dander, or dust mites. The symptoms include redness, itching, and swelling of the eyes.

This condition is usually treated with antihistamines and corticosteroids.

Stye

A stye is a small bump that appears on the eyelid due to an infection of the oil glands. The symptoms include redness, tenderness, and swelling of the eyelid. It is usually treated with warm compresses and antibiotics.

Orbital Cellulitis

Orbital cellulitis is a serious infection that occurs when bacteria enter the eye socket. The symptoms include fever, pain, and redness around the eyes, and swelling that may press down the eyeball and cause double vision.

It is usually treated with antibiotics.

Blepharitis

Blepharitis is a chronic condition that causes inflammation of the eyelids due to bacteria or an overgrowth of skin mites. The symptoms include redness, itching, and swelling of the eyelids. It is usually treated with warm compresses and antibiotics.

Hordeolum

Hordeolum, also known as a sty, is a small red bump that appears on the eyelid due to an infection of the oil glands. The symptoms include redness, tenderness, and swelling of the eyelid. It is usually treated with warm compresses and antibiotics.

Periorbital Cellulitis

Periorbital cellulitis is a bacterial infection that occurs around the eye. The symptoms include redness, fever, and swelling of the eyelids. It is usually treated with antibiotics.

Chalazion

Chalazion is a non-infectious bump that develops on the eyelid due to the blockage of oil glands. The symptoms include swelling, tenderness, and redness of the eyelid. It is usually treated with warm compresses and antibiotics.

In severe cases, surgery may be required.

Exophthalmos

Exophthalmos is a condition that causes protrusion of the eyeball from the eye socket. The symptoms include swelling of the eye and eyelid, double vision, and dry eyes.

It is usually caused by an underlying medical condition such as Graves’ disease, which is associated with overactive thyroid gland.

Orbital Tumor

Orbital tumor is a rare condition that causes swelling of the eyes due to the growth of a tumor in the eye socket. The symptoms include swelling of the eye and eyelid, bulging of the eye, and double vision.

It is usually treated with surgery and radiation therapy.

Conclusion

Eye swelling can be caused by a variety of factors ranging from minor allergies to serious medical conditions. Depending on the cause, it may require medical attention or home remedies such as warm compresses.

Always seek medical advice if you experience persistent eye swelling that is accompanied by other symptoms such as fever or pain.