03/01/2025                                                                            
                                    
                                                                            
                                            Eyelid Swelling
Eyelids, even though they appear to be a part of the rest of our skin, have a bit of a complex anatomy as compared to other skin structures. It has multiple oil glands, accessory tear glands, sweat glands, eyelashes, and other cutaneous, subcutaneous, muscular tissues. These are soft tissues, thus any inflammation in these structures cause swelling of the eyelid. Another common reason for swollen eyelids is fluid retention in the eyelid soft tissues.
Thus, swollen eyelids are usually a symptom of a medical condition rather than a condition itself. Although the eyelid is less than a millimeter thick however, the tissues are highly stretchable thus eyelids have tendency to develop larger swellings.
Common causes of swollen eyelids
1. Stye: There are multiple oil glands on the eyelid margin that continuously secrete the oil layer of our tear film. This oil is necessary to prevent the immediate evaporation or flowing of our tears; we need the tears to stay on the eye to keep it hydrated. Sometimes, these oil glands get blocked, preventing the secretion of oil. The opening becomes infected, resulting in a painful swelling known as a stye. There can be a single or multiple styes on either the upper or lower eyelid.
2.  Chalazion: Once the infection of a stye settles, the painless leftover lump is known as a chalazion. Chalazion does not have any specific symptoms except for swelling over the affected eyelid, and there is no medical treatment for it. Surgical drainage is required to reduce the swelling.
3. Conjunctivitis: We are all aware of this condition, which is a common cause of red eyes. It can be either a bacterial or viral infection. In conjunctivitis, there is inflammation of the transparent layer called conjunctiva, which is adhered to the back part of the eyelid in contact with the ocular surface. Due to this inflammation, fluid retention in the eyelids can occur, leading to swelling, along with redness and sticky discharge.