There are many factors that cause swelling of eyelids. It can be sudden or gradual or swollen eyelid can be mild or severe. At some part of life many of us had to deal with inflammation of eyelids due to many causes. Rubbing of eyelids or infection can cause swollen eyelid. Sometimes it can be mild and resolve on its own and sometimes it can become difficult to treat. You should not ignore it, if this condition persists for more than 2 days. Most of the swollen eyelid does not cause pain. Often there will be watery discharge from the eyes due to swelling.
Causes :
Conjunctivitis or any other type of eye infection can cause swollen eyelid. The protective membrane that surrounds the eyelids becomes swollen and itchy. Sometime it can be due to allergic reaction or due to chemicals. Bacterial infection like blepharitis or viral infection can cause swelling of eyelids. Stye is yet another bacterial infection that affects the sweat glands present on the base of eyelashes. Chalazion is caused by blocked eye ducts and it grows on the lubricating glands of the eye. It can cause redness and swelling of eyelids. Most of the above types of infectious factors cause pain.
Using dirty contact lenses, allergic reactions and sinusitis can cause swollen eyelids; but it will not cause any pain. In case the swelling and pain is due to any allergy then it will resolve once the allergy causing substance is removed. But if you experience swollen eyelids regularly with pain, you should consult your ophthalmologist since it can be serious problem.
Symptoms :
Swelling on the eyelids is accompanied by many symptoms. There can be itchiness, redness, tenderness on the eyes due to swelling. It can be with or without pain. It will produce watery discharge from the eyes and there will be puffiness of eyes.