What causes eye swelling?
Apr 19, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Cui Xin
Introduction
If eye swelling is caused by drinking large amounts of water before bedtime or excessive salt intake, reduce fluid and salt consumption. If it results from allergic conjunctivitis, use medications such as sodium cromoglicate eye drops or tobramycin-dexamethasone eye drops as directed by a physician, maintain eye hygiene, and follow a light diet. If the swelling is due to a stye, treat with levofloxacin eye drops, chlortetracycline eye ointment, or proceed with surgical drainage if necessary.
Eye swelling is generally caused by two types of factors: non-disease-related and disease-related. Common disease-related causes include hordeolum (stye) and allergic conjunctivitis. Appropriate management can be selected based on the specific cause. The details are as follows:
I. Non-disease factors
If excessive fluid intake before bedtime leads to fluid accumulation in the body, or high salt intake results in sodium and water retention, eye swelling may occur. In such cases, reducing fluid and salt intake is recommended.
II. Disease factors
1. Hordeolum (Stye)
When a stye is present, inflammation in the eye increases vascular permeability, leading to eye swelling. As directed by a physician, medications such as levofloxacin eye drops, chlortetracycline eye ointment, or tobramycin eye drops may be used to help reduce inflammation. If necessary, surgical drainage may be recommended by a doctor to relieve local eyelid pain and swelling.
2. Allergic Conjunctivitis
In cases of allergic conjunctivitis, inflammatory stimulation causes conjunctival edema, resulting in periorbital swelling. Treatment may include medications such as sodium cromoglicate eye drops, tobramycin-dexamethasone eye drops, or olopatadine hydrochloride eye drops, as prescribed. Additionally, maintaining good eye hygiene and following a light diet can promote recovery.
Besides the above, periorbital edema may also result from renal insufficiency. Patients are advised to seek timely medical evaluation to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment as directed by a healthcare provider.
