Woke up with a swollen upper eyelid? It's alarming, but often treatable. Let's explore the potential causes.
One common culprit is allergies. Pollen, pet dander, or even eye makeup can trigger a reaction, leading to inflammation and swelling. Another possibility is a stye, a painful, pimple-like infection near the lash line. You might also experience redness and tenderness.
Chalazion, a painless cyst, can also cause eyelid swelling. Unlike a stye, it's usually not red or tender, but it can feel like a small bump under the skin. In some cases, conjunctivitis (pinkeye), an inflammation of the conjunctiva, can affect the eyelids as well as the eye itself.
Less common causes include insect bites, injury, or underlying medical conditions. If the swelling is severe, persistent, or accompanied by pain, vision changes, or fever, consult a doctor immediately. Otherwise, try a warm compress and over-the-counter allergy medication. Your puffy lid will thank you!
