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Swollen eyelids – possible causes

Swollen eyelids after a long night of partying or being in a smoky room usually get better on their own. Constantly swollen and red eyelids, however, may indicate an underlying disease that should be treated.

What could be the cause of swollen eyelids?

As our sensitive eyes respond quickly to environmental influences and an unhealthy lifestyle, there are a whole range of harmless causes for swollen eyes:

  • dehydration
  • alcohol consumption
  • lack of sleep
  • excessive work in front of a computer screen
  • dry central heating air
  • wearing contact lenses for too long

However, diseases and inflammations of the eye can also cause the eyelids to swell:

  • allergies
  • a cold
  • hormonal fluctuations
  • eyelid margin inflammation (blepharitis)
  • stye (hordeolum)
  • chalazion
  • meibomian gland dysfunction
  • inflammation of the conjunctiva
  • taking medications

If the swollen eyelids are not just a temporary phenomenon from too little sleep, for example, a build-up of secretions in the sebaceous glands in the eyelid margin can also lead to the swelling. This can be caused by a chronic inflammation of the eyelid margin or be triggered by an infection with bacteria and lead to a stye on the affected eyelid.


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How do I recognise an eyelid margin inflammation?

In the case of an eyelid margin inflammation, there may be other symptoms besides swollen eyelids:

  • red eyelid margins
  • itchy lid margins
  • scaly deposits on the edges of the eyelids and eyelashes, often in the morning after waking up.
  • sticky eyelids
  • watery eyes
  • tired eyes
  • sore eyes
  • foreign body sensation
  • reddened conjunctiva
  • sensitivity to light
  • impaired vision

If the symptoms persist over a longer period of time, there may be chronic inflammation. The symptoms usually start gradually with dry eyes and red eyelids. This is why many people affected do not initially realise that they are already suffering from an eye condition. Meibomian gland dysfunction often causes a build-up of secretions in the eyelid margins. As a result, not enough lipid is released onto the surface of the eye, causing the composition of the tear film to become unbalanced.

The lipid layer that stabilises the tear film then no longer sufficiently protects the tear fluid from evaporation. Acute blepharitis can in many cases be triggered by an infection with staphylococci. A visible local swelling, known as a stye, often forms at the eyelid margin. Acute inflammation of the eyelid margins usually heals on its own after a few days. However, it often causes pain in the eye and requires medication.


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POSIFORLID eye maskEffective heat treatment for blepharitis

What helps against swollen eyelids?

If the swollen eyelids were caused by environmental influences, lack of fluids or not enough sleep, cooling compresses, drinking plenty of water and a lie in usually help. It is a different matter, however, in the case of chronic inflammation of the eyelid margin or meibomian gland dysfunction. Medication such as eye drops and eye ointments can help with acute symptoms. The most important measure, however, is consistent eyelid margin hygiene to relieve the build-up of secretions in the gland ducts, remove sebum accumulation and stimulate glandular function:

  • Heat: Exposure to heat for several minutes supports the treatment of eyelid margin inflammation, a chalazion or a stye. Eye masks that generate a constant heat of about 45 degrees are suitable for this. The heat liquifies the accumulated secretion, loosens sticky discharge and stimulates the blood flow to the sebaceous glands.
  • Cleaning the eyelid margins: An important part of eyelid margin hygiene is the thorough cleaning of the eyelid margins. First, gently massage the edge of the eyelid to remove the sebum from the gland ducts, which has been loosened by the heat, stimulating the blood circulation and function of the glands at the same time. Use a damp cotton pad or eyelid hygiene wipe to remove the secretion residue from the edges of the eyelids and between the eyelashes.
  • Care for the eyes: After cleaning, it is recommended to use a caring product on the eyelids. An eye spray soothes irritation and makes the eyes feel comfortable.

In addition, moistening the eyes with eye drops is advisable to support the tear film and protect the eyes from drying out.