Inflammation of the eyelids can affect the margins and cause irritation. In medical terms inflamed eyelid is called blepharitis and it is a nuisance causing discomfort. It is one of the recurring eye diseases caused by allergy, bacterial infection and many other factors. The symptoms can be managed by treatment. But it is a chronic problem and usually both the eyes are affected.
Causes :
Inflamed eyelid can develop due to number of causes. Environmental irritants like fumes, smoke, dust and chemicals can affect the soft tissue of the eyes causing irritation and inflammation. When the eyelid sheds off the skin in the immediate proximity of eyelids, it can cause inflammation.
Bacterial infection can cause inflamed eyelid causing ulcerous growth and pus inside. It is the Staphylococcus that often causes eyelid inflammation. Any underlying medical conditions like eye disease or skin cancer can affect the eyes. Seborrhoeic dermatitis is a type of skin condition affecting eyelids. Sometimes, meibomian glands can produce excess of oil leading to inflamed eyelid.
Symptoms :
Inflamed eyelid can cause constant irritation and swelling of eyes. It gives you the feeling that someone has dropped sand on your eyes. Eyelids become soar. The eyelids become reddish and cause itchy feeling. It may feel warm to touch. In most of the cases there will be blurred vision as though a tear film has spread over the eyes. In addition, if the inflamed eyelid is due to infection it can cause yellow or greenish fluid from the eyes. It is sticky in nature and in the mornings you can have problem in opening your eyes. In case of seborrheic dermatitis dry flaky patches can develop on your eyes causing persistent irritation.
Complications :
Inflamed eyelid is not serious and will not cause any complication. In extreme cases it can cause stye (high infection on the follicle of eyelids), and chalazion (swelling of inside of eyelids due to blockage of oily secretion). It may not be possible for you to wear contact lens if you develop inflammation on eyelids. Conjunctivitis can develop causing sore eyes with watery discharge. Eyelashes can lose pigment and lost in rare cases.