A swollen eyelid occurs when fluid builds up in the eyelid tissues or when the eyelid becomes inflamed. Swelling may affect the upper eyelid, lower eyelid, or both, and may involve one or both eyes.
Most cases are mild and temporary, such as those caused by allergies, irritation, or minor gland blockages. However, swelling accompanied by pain, fever, vision changes, or eye bulging may indicate a more serious condition requiring prompt medical care.

Common Symptoms of Eyelid Swelling

Mild Symptoms

  • Puffiness around the eyelid
  • Mild redness or irritation
  • Itching (commonly in allergies)
  • Slight discomfort without significant pain

Moderate to Concerning Symptoms

  • Noticeable tenderness
  • A localized lump (stye or chalazion)
  • Increasing redness or warmth

Red-Flag Symptoms (Seek Medical Care Promptly)

  • Severe eye pain
  • Pain when moving the eye
  • Vision changes (blurred, double, or loss of vision)
  • Fever or feeling unwell
  • Eye bulging or protrusion
  • Rapidly worsening swelling
  • Inability to open the eye due to swelling

Other Possible Symptoms

  • Crusting or discharge around the eyelashes
  • Gritty or burning sensation
  • Excessive tearing
  • Sensitivity to light (photophobia)

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Why Is My Eyelid Swollen but Not Painful?

Painless swelling is commonly caused by:

  • Chalazion (blocked oil gland; usually painless unless inflamed)
  • Allergic swelling (puffiness + itching, little or no pain)
  • Fluid retention (after sleeping, crying, or high-salt meals)

Pain-free swelling is usually not an emergency, but persistent swelling may require evaluation.

Why Is My Eyelid Swollen Shut or Hard to Open?

When an eyelid becomes swollen enough to close the eye, common causes include:

  • Severe allergic swelling
  • Large stye or chalazion
  • Significant inflammation or infection
  • Trauma or insect bites

Seek medical care if:

  • The eye cannot open at all
  • You have fever, vision changes, or severe pain
  • Swelling worsens rapidly

Why Is My Eyelid Swollen in the Morning?

Morning-only swelling is often due to:

  • Fluid pooling in eyelids overnight
  • Sleeping position (especially face-down)
  • Sinus congestion or allergies
  • Irritants on bedding, such as dust mites

If morning swelling improves within hours, it is typically not serious.

Why Is Only One Eyelid Swollen?

One-sided swelling (unilateral swelling) is commonly caused by:

  • Stye or chalazion
  • Insect bite or localized irritation
  • Minor trauma
  • Early infection (cellulitis)

Seek medical care if one-sided swelling is accompanied by pain, fever, or vision changes.

Common Causes of Eyelid Swelling

Allergies

Common allergy triggers include:

  • Pollen, dust, pet dander
  • Cosmetic or skin-care products
  • Contact lens solutions

Swelling is often accompanied by itching, redness, and tearing.

Irritants

Irritation may result from:

  • Eye rubbing
  • Smoke or wind exposure
  • Residue from makeup or lotions

Infections and Inflammatory Conditions

Stye (Hordeolum)

An infection of an eyelash follicle or oil gland, forming a painful, red lump.

Chalazion

A blocked oil gland causing a firm, usually painless bump that may become swollen if inflamed.

Blepharitis

Chronic eyelid edge inflammation leading to redness, crusting, itching, and recurrent swelling.

Cellulitis (Periorbital or Orbital)

A more serious infection of eyelid tissues.
Symptoms: fever, severe pain, difficult eye movements, rapid swelling.
Requires urgent medical treatment.

Injury or Trauma

Swelling may follow:

  • Blunt impact
  • Scratching or rubbing
  • Insect bites
  • Recent eye procedures

Fluid Retention & Systemic Causes

Swelling can also occur with:

  • Crying
  • Lack of sleep
  • High-salt meals
  • Sleeping position
  • Thyroid disorders or other medical conditions

When Eyelid Swelling Is Serious

Eyelid swelling may be serious if it involves:

  • Vision changes
  • Fever
  • Severe or deep pain
  • Rapid spread or worsening
  • Eye bulging
  • Painful eye movement

These symptoms may indicate cellulitis or another deeper infection requiring urgent care.

When to Seek Medical or Emergency Care

Emergency (Go to the ER or call emergency services):

  • Sudden loss or major change in vision
  • Bulging eye
  • Severe eye pain or pain with eye movement
  • High fever with swelling
  • Inability to open the eye due to severe swelling
  • Rapidly worsening redness, heat, and tenderness

Seek Same-Day Medical Care If:

  • Swelling lasts more than 24–48 hours
  • You notice worsening redness or discharge
  • Swelling affects vision
  • A child has swelling with fever or discomfort

Diagnosis: How Clinicians Evaluate Eyelid Swelling

Evaluation may include:

  • Symptom and exposure history
  • Eyelid, lash, and ocular surface examination
  • Vision and eye movement testing
  • Imaging or lab tests when deep infection is suspected

Treatment Options for Eyelid Swelling

Home Care for Mild Swelling

  • Apply cool compresses
  • Avoid rubbing the eyes
  • Remove contact lenses until resolved
  • Keep eyelids clean
  • Avoid makeup temporarily
  • Use antihistamines for allergy-related swelling

Medical Treatment

Your clinician may prescribe:

  • Antibiotic, antiviral, or anti-inflammatory eye drops
  • Medications for underlying inflammation or infection
  • Drainage procedures for styes or chalazia that do not resolve

Recovery Timeline: How Long Swelling Lasts

  • Allergic or irritation-related swelling: often improves within hours to one day
  • Styes or chalazia: may improve over several days to weeks
  • Infections: improve over several days with treatment
  • Chronic inflammation (blepharitis): may recur without ongoing care

Prevention & Self-Care Tips

  • Perform regular eyelid hygiene
  • Remove makeup fully every night
  • Avoid rubbing the eyes
  • Keep contact lenses clean and well-fitted
  • Identify cosmetic or environmental triggers
  • Manage allergies proactively

Swollen Eyelid in Children

Children may develop eyelid swelling from allergies, infections, crying, or irritants.
Seek medical care if:

  • Fever accompanies swelling
  • The child reports pain or difficulty moving the eye
  • Swelling worsens rapidly
  • A newborn has swollen eyelids or eye discharge

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my upper eyelid swollen?

Common causes include allergies, styes, chalazia, fluid retention, trauma, and infections.

What causes eyelid swelling?

Allergies, infections, irritants, inflammation, fatigue, and systemic fluid retention.

What is the fastest way to relieve a swollen eyelid?

Cool compresses, avoiding irritants, gentle cleansing, resting the eye, and using antihistamines when appropriate.

How long does eyelid swelling last?

Mild causes improve quickly; infections or blocked glands may take longer

When should I see a doctor?

When swelling is painful, worsening, affecting vision, or accompanied by fever.

What can I do at home?

Cool compresses, eyelid hygiene, avoiding rubbing, removing contact lenses, reducing irritants.

Why is my eyelid swollen and painful?

Painful swelling is often related to styes, inflammation, or infection.

Can crying cause swollen eyelids?

Yes. Tear production and rubbing the eyes can temporarily increase eyelid fluid.

APA Reference List

Booth, S. (2025, February 7). Swollen eyelid: Inflammation, infections, causes, & treatment. WebMD.
https://www.webmd.com/eye-health/eyelid-inflammation-blepharitis

Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.). Blepharitis (eyelid inflammation): Causes & treatment. Cleveland Clinic.
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/10032-blepharitis

Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi. (n.d.). Blepharitis / Meibomian gland disease. Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi.
https://www.clevelandclinicabudhabi.ae/en/health-hub/health-resource/diseases-and-conditions/blepharitis-meibomian-gland-disease

Mayo Clinic. (2025, September 20). Blepharitis: Symptoms & causes. Mayo Clinic.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/blepharitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20370141

WebMD. (2024, July 18). Swollen eyelids: Treatment and remedies. WebMD.
https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/remedies-to-relieve-swollen-eyelid

WebMD. (n.d.). Eyelid problems & injuries: Causes & treatments. WebMD.
https://www.webmd.com/eye-health/eyelid-problems-injuries

WebMD. (2024, December 30). Periorbital cellulitis: Symptoms, causes & treatment. WebMD.
https://www.webmd.com/eye-health/periorbital-cellulitis

Children’s Hospital Colorado. (n.d.). Eye swelling. Children’s Hospital Colorado.
https://www.childrenscolorado.org/conditions-and-advice/conditions-and-symptoms/symptoms/eye-swelling/

West Texas Eye. (2025, August 1). Fastest way to heal a swollen eyelid. West Texas Eye Associates.
https://www.westtexaseye.com/blog/fastest-way-to-heal-a-swollen-eyelid/

Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.). Eye infection. Cleveland Clinic.
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/25000-eye-infection