Imagine waking up, rubbing the sleep from your eyes, and heading to the bathroom. You flip on the light, gaze into the mirror, and notice one puffy eye looking back at you. It’s a swollen eyelid—something we’ve all experienced at some point. In most cases, swollen eyelids are the result of simple factors, such as falling asleep without removing your makeup, consuming a high-sodium meal, or getting bit by a bug. In these instances, a warm or cold compress is usually sufficient to reduce the swelling. However, if a swollen eyelid persists, it may be necessary to visit a doctor to rule out infection or allergy. Here, experts share the most common causes of swollen eyelids, those that resolve on their own, and those that require medical attention—along with tips for preventing puffy eyelids.
You have a stye
Think of a stye as an eyelid pimple. These small, painful red lumps develop on the eyelid when the meibomian (oil) glands become clogged. Styes are typically a result of a bacterial infection, causing inflammation, redness, and swelling. Other symptoms may include a small pus spot at the center of the bump, feeling like something is in your eye, a scratchy feeling in your eye, sensitivity to light, crustiness along the eyelid margin, and tearing in that eye. Fortunately, styes often resolve on their own within a week or two. You can speed up the recovery process by applying warm compresses and cleansing the area with a gentle eyelid cleanser. It’s important to avoid squeezing the stye, as this can worsen the infection. If a stye does not improve with home remedies, a visit to the doctor may be necessary for proper drainage or antibiotics.
You have a blocked oil gland
A blocked oil gland can result in a chalazion—a swollen, red bump on the eyelid that is not usually painful. Applying warm compresses and keeping the area clean can help alleviate a chalazion. However, if it persists, worsens, or affects your vision, it’s best to seek medical attention. A doctor may prescribe antibiotics, drainage, or a steroid shot to reduce the swelling.
You have allergies
Allergens like pollen, dust, pet dander, or certain chemicals can cause an allergic reaction, leading to swollen eyelids. Symptoms of an allergy include itchiness, redness, and noticeable swelling of the eyelids. Over-the-counter oral antihistamines and cold compresses can help reduce eyelid swelling and other allergy-related symptoms. The best way to prevent swollen eyelids due to allergies is to avoid the allergen and cleanse your eyelids daily to remove potential irritants.
You have pink eye
Pink eye, or conjunctivitis, is an inflammation of the clear, thin membrane covering the white part of the eye and lining the inner surface of the eyelids. This inflammation can cause fluid retention and swollen eyelids. The course of treatment for pink eye will depend on its cause, whether bacterial or viral. Antibiotic eye drops can clear bacterial pink eye, while viral pink eye typically resolves on its own within two to three weeks. Practicing good hygiene by washing your hands regularly and disposing of contaminated makeup and products can help prevent further spread of pink eye.
You have eczema on your eyelid
Eczema can cause redness, flaking, itching, burning, and swelling of the eyelid skin, especially if triggered by specific allergens or irritants. Topical steroids are often prescribed to calm inflamed skin during an eczema flare. Avoiding triggers and using products designed for sensitive skin can help manage eyelid eczema.
You have chronic eyelid inflammation
Blepharitis is the term for irritated, inflamed eyelids that can have various causes. Treatment of blepharitis depends on the underlying cause and may involve warm compresses, eyelid cleansing, and medication prescribed by a doctor.
