Swollen Eyelid

What is a swollen eyelid?

A swollen eyelid (or stye) occurs when one or more of the tiny oil glands at the edge of your eyelid becomes clogged and infected. Styes look and feel similar to pimples. They usually aren’t serious, but without treatment, a stye can affect your vision and quality of life. 

What are the symptoms of a swollen eyelid?

Symptoms of a swollen eyelid include: 

    • A painful red bump near the eyelashes
    • Crusting along the eyelid
    • Watery or excessively teary eyes
    • Soreness and itching
    • Swelling of the eyelid

As the stye grows, it might also feel like there’s something stuck in your eye.

When should I visit a doctor for a swollen eyelid?

Make an appointment with the team at Bronx Eye Associates if you have a swollen eyelid and your symptoms last for two days or longer. That’s especially true if the swelling is painful or affects your ability to drive or do other activities.

How is a swollen eyelid diagnosed?

To diagnose a swollen eyelid, your Bronx Eye Associates provider reviews your medical records and asks about your symptoms. Then, they complete an exam, checking your eyelids for swelling, redness, and crusting. Most styes are visible and easy to diagnose, but your provider might order additional tests if they suspect other problems with your vision or the eye itself.

How is a swollen eyelid treated?

At Bronx Eye Associates, the team uses conservative and noninvasive treatments to care for swollen eyelids. 

Most styes go away in a week or two with at-home treatments like warm compresses. Your Bronx Eye Associates provider might also prescribe an eyelid cleaning solution. Cleansing the pores in your eyelids with special wipes several times a day can prevent the infection from recurring.

If those treatments don’t work, your provider might recommend:

    • Antibiotic ointment
    • Antibiotic eye drops
    • Steroid injections to reduce swelling
    • Draining the stye during an outpatient procedure

The goal is to reduce swelling, stop the pain, and encourage your body’s natural healing process.

How can I reduce the risk of a swollen eyelid?

You can reduce your risk of a swollen eyelid by practicing good hygiene. The team at Bronx Eye Associates recommends washing your hands thoroughly before touching your face and throwing away outdated eye makeup every few months.

Call Bronx Eye Associates to receive treatment for a swollen eyelid today, or click the online booking feature.