What should I do if my eyelid is bruised and swollen?
Apr 19, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Cui Xin
Introduction
Apply cold compress within 24 hours of the injury to promote vasoconstriction, relieve tissue congestion and swelling. After 24 hours, use warm compresses to enhance blood circulation, facilitate resolution of bruising, and improve eyelid swelling. If necessary, follow medical advice to apply topical tobramycin eye drops or take oral amoxicillin capsules. If significant bleeding leads to a subcutaneous hematoma of the eyelid, hospital treatment with surgical intervention may be required.
Swollen eyelids due to trauma can be improved through general treatment, medication, or surgical intervention. Specific details are as follows:
1. General Treatment
Within the first 24 hours after injury, apply ice packs to the affected area to promote blood vessel constriction, reduce bleeding, and effectively alleviate tissue congestion and swelling. This helps achieve the goals of reducing swelling, stopping bleeding, and relieving pain. After 24 hours, switch to local heat application, which promotes blood circulation and absorption of bruising, thereby improving eyelid swelling.
2. Medication
Under medical guidance, topical medications such as tobramycin-dexamethasone ophthalmic ointment, tobramycin eye drops, or erythromycin ophthalmic ointment may be used to help reduce inflammation and improve symptoms. If topical treatment alone is ineffective, oral antibiotics such as amoxicillin capsules, cefixime tablets, or cephalexin capsules may be added, which typically help improve symptoms.
3. Surgical Treatment
If there is significant bleeding in the eye that does not improve with general or medical treatments and has resulted in a subcutaneous hematoma of the eyelid, prompt hospital visit is necessary. Surgical drainage of the hematoma may be required to relieve symptoms.
During recovery from eyelid injury, proper local eye care is essential. Sun protection should be applied when going outdoors. If any discomfort or abnormal symptoms occur, timely medical evaluation is recommended.
