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Why Do My Eyelids Appear Swollen and Red?

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Your eyelids may appear red due to allergies and infections. They may also occur because of injury to the eye area. In this case, you may experience symptoms like irritation, swelling, itching, bumps, and watery eyes. 

Swollen eyelid is another common eye condition that can appear as fluid retention or severe infection. It also has several causes. Studies explore that red and swollen eyelids are a common problem, but the symptoms may appear with varying degrees of severity. Here are the possible causes why your eyelids appear red and swollen.

Reason for Red and Swollen Eyelids

  1. Ectropion 

Ectropion is a condition that arises on the whole part or the lower part of eyelids at the outward edge. It also causes the eyelash to break. The symptoms include inflammation of eyes with a red bump; it may not be red sometimes but looks yellowish in color. It may affect both the upper and lower eyelid.

  1. Blepharitis

Blepharitis is another condition that causes swollen eyelids. The symptoms are puffy, pink-red, and swollen eyelids. It can sometimes be recurring and troublesome because it may link with other skin conditions. It usually occurs when tiny oil glands become blocked near the base of eyelashes and lead to irritation and redness.

  1. Conjunctivitis

It is one of the most common red-eye conditions under eyelids that appear in infection with swelling and irritation of the conjunctiva. It is present in the thin membrane inside the eyelid and sphere back to coat, the white part of your eye. It can affect the blood vessels and make them swell. The inflammation causes your eyes to get red or pink. 

The symptoms include:

  • Redness
  • Teary eyes
  • Itchy eyes
  1. Styes

Styes are a type of bacterial infection in the eyelid. It creates a tender red bump at the edge of the eyelid with redness inside and outside. Additionally, it may be small tender or coat over the whole area in worse condition.

Following are the symptoms of Styes:

  • Painful red bump
  • Sensitivity to bright light
  • Scratchy eye
  • Swelling if the eyelid
  • Watery eye
  1. Chalazion

It is a red bump that appears on your eyelid and makes your eye tender and swollen. It causes when an oil gland on your skin blocks. It is a painful condition that makes your eyes more sensitive.

Symptoms of Chalazion may include:

  • Mild irritation
  • Watery eyes
  • Painful bump on the upper lid

Further factors that may contribute to red and swollen eyelids are:

  • Bug bite
  • Orbital cellulitis 
  • Allergies
  • Pink eyelids
  • Fluid retention
  • Cyst
  • Eye injury

Bottom Line

The eyelid becomes red and swollen for many reasons. It is, however, treatable in specific ways, including medication and eye drops. Make sure to get an eye check-up immediately if you experience red or swollen eyelids because severe symptoms could cause vision impairment.

Written by Marley Jaxx

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