Introduction
Edema is the accumulation of fluid in the tissue. Accordingly, an oedema of the eye is an accumulation of fluid in the area of the eyelid. The eyelids are very well supplied with blood and contain numerous blood and lymph vessels.
In the vessels, fluid is constantly being pressed to the surroundings and then reabsorbed as the process continues. If there is an imbalance in this circulation, for example, more fluid enters the tissue. As a result, the eye swells considerably and the eyelids protrude.
Causes of oedema of the eye
There are several reasons why edema develops in the human body. Either the pressure inside the blood vessels increases and more fluid is released into the tissue or the vessel walls show increased permeability. However, disturbances in the lymphatic flow or a protein deficiency in the blood also lead to the formation of edema.
Edema of the eye is very common and often has no disease value. Almost everyone has woken up with swollen eyes at one time or another. This is also an oedema of the eye, which occurs because the fluid in the tissue is less able to drain off during the night when lying down.
Especially after the consumption of alcohol, tobacco or very salty food, the eyelids are particularly swollen in the morning. Heavy crying also causes increased fluid accumulation in the eye tissue. However, these are harmless oedemas, which normally disappear within a few hours.
Other causes of oedema are inflammatory processes in the eye, such as conjunctivitis or allergies (e.g. to pollen or animal hair). The inflammation makes the blood vessels more permeable and increases the amount of fluid entering the interstitial tissue. A number of pathogens, such as bacteria or parasites, can also lead to swelling of the eyelid.
These pathologies include eyelid abscesses, eyelid phlegmons or barley grains. Often the infections are caused by bacteria of the genus Staphylococcus or Streptococcus. Foreign bodies or chemicals can also cause oedema of the eye by irritating the eye severely.
An unhealthy lifestyle can cause oedema of the eye. These include, above all, chronic stress and persistent psychological strain. Stressed people are often restless and suffer from sleep problems.
Above all, too little sleep leads to waking up with swollen eyelids in the morning. In such cases extensive recovery phases and a conscious way of life help. By reducing fatigue and stress, the problem of swollen eyes usually disappears by itself.
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