1. Eyelid injury
Having a swollen eyelid but no other problems tends to suggest it has suffered some form of minor damage. This could be because it has been dragged excessively or treated roughly. It’s advisable to only rub your eyelids very gently, even if your eyes become itchy from dust or allergies.
The fact your eyelid skin is so sensitive also means you should be careful what substances and equipment you use. A swollen eyelid might be the result of robust contact with eye makeup tools for example.
You can also irritate your eyelids if you wear your contact lenses for long periods, which causes them to swell in protest.
2. An eye stye
One of the most common causes of a swollen eyelid is when an eyelash follicle is infected and blocked. This can start out as a general swelling and soreness, and then form into a lump on your eyelid. It’s like a skin pimple, but can be more uncomfortable as your eyelids are sensitive.
Styes often go on their own, but if they are frequent or enlarged medical advice is recommended.
3. Allergies
Your eyes are constantly exposed to your environment. This means they are often a part of your body that shows clear signs of an allergic reaction. If you have contact with something you are allergic to you may find your eyes become either watery or dry, and that your eyelids swell up.
You may even find that you get an irritated and swollen eyelid when you come into contact with dust and debris, even if you don’t have allergies.
4. Eye infection
If your eyelid is swollen and also sore or sticky, it could be an infection or an indication that it is gathering too much fluid.
There are various types of infections and blockages that can affect your eye health. It’s important to seek treatment if you have excessive discharge, soreness or abnormal vision, alongside the swollen eyelid.
Seeking medical advice
As well as having signs of an infection, another indication that you should ask advice from a doctor is when the eyelid swelling is considerable or prolonged. It could be a sign that you have an associated illness that requires treatment.
