Eyelid edema, also called eyelid eczema, is a swelling of one or both eyelids that can be caused by very different reasons. Basically, eyelid edema can occur suddenly and acutely at any age, but chronic courses are also quite reported.
What is eyelid edema?
Therefore, there are patients who have already visited several physicians to cure their eyelid edema permanently. Eyelid edema is defined as an allergic reaction to various environmental factors. Because it directly affects the eye, eyelid edema is mostly treated by ophthalmologists, but later on also by allergists or naturopaths. Eyelid edema is a disease of one of the most sensitive areas of the body. Correspondingly high is the suffering pressure of patients in chronic courses, who may have been affected by it for years.
Causes
As with all allergologic diseases and symptoms, eyelid edema must have been sensitized to a so-called allergen before the onset of symptoms. The immune system then forms specific antibodies against the allergenic substance and in the case of a corresponding disposition and renewed exposure to the allergen, the disease symptom of eyelid edema then occurs. Allergens that are mainly responsible for the development of eyelid edema are cosmetics such as make-up or hair dyes. However, it is by no means only substances that are used directly on the eye area that are possible triggers, because studies show that a person involuntarily touches his eyes with his hands more than one hundred times a day on average. Thus, a variety of so-called contact allergens from the environment can also contribute to the development of eyelid edema.
Symptoms, complaints and signs
Individual symptoms, complaints or signs of eyelid edema are usually quite clear, so that this appearance can be diagnosed very well. Probably the surest symptom or sign, respectively, of eyelid edema is puffy eyes. This involves severe swelling of the eye, but in some cases it can affect only the eyelid of the eye. If eyelid edema is caused by an allergic reaction, there will not only be swelling of the eyelid. In certain cases, there is also severe redness of the eyes, as well as prolonged itching. Skin irritation is the result, so that reddening of the skin may also occur. If a visit to the dermatologist is not made in this context, then the course of the disease can be significantly aggravated. The flow of tears is also significantly increased in the case of eyelid edema. In this context, there is also a burning sensation in the eyes. Due to non-treatment, the swelling may take about a week to subside. The severity of the swellings is also significantly increased if medical and drug treatment is omitted. Thus, the following applies: Eyelid edema is usually noticeable by a swelling of the eyelid. Other signs depend on the cause, such as an allergic reaction.
Diagnosis and course
Facial skin in general and eyelid skin in particular is very sensitive. Various detergents, therapeutic agents, personal care products, and cleansing agents are possible culprits of eyelid edema, especially if they are used excessively and in an excessive manner. Patients suffering from so-called neurodermatitis are also affected by eyelid edema to an above-average extent, so there seem to be direct correlations here. It is assumed that neurodermatitis patients are particularly predestined for the development of eyelid edema due to their generally very dry skin. This is because dry skin around the eye area causes additional itching and thus the number of involuntary touches of the eye area with the hands is many times higher in people with neurodermatitis. If then additionally a contact allergy exists, the condition of the eyelid eczema can worsen fulminantly, so that under circumstances even a stationary stay could be necessary. As a rule, however, eyelid edema is treated with a wide variety of outpatient measures. In the case of eyelid edema, a specialist should always be consulted; unfortunately, spreading of the inflammation to the eyeball cannot be ruled out over time.
Complications
In most cases, eyelid edema does not result in any particular complications, nor does it have a serious course. Those affected suffer mainly from swollen eyes. This can also lead to visual problems, so that the field of vision of the affected person is significantly limited due to the eyelid edema. Especially in children, eyelid edema can lead to developmental limitations. It is not uncommon for patients to suffer from sudden visual complaints, depression or anxiety. Furthermore, there is also dry skin and itching that spreads on the skin. Especially in the case of allergies, there can be considerable restrictions in everyday life and a reduction in the quality of life. In the worst case, the inflammation can also spread to the eyeball, so that the affected person can go completely blind. The treatment of this disease is usually based on the root cause. Thus, the symptoms can be limited relatively well. In any case, the affected person must avoid contact with the triggering substance. Furthermore, medication can be used in acute emergencies. The life expectancy of the affected person is usually not reduced by eyelid edema.
When should one go to the doctor?
If the eyelids or either eyelid swells, a doctor should be consulted. If there is impairment of vision, sensitivity to light or decreased vision, it is advisable to consult a doctor. If there are changes in the skin, redness of the eyelids, itching of the eye or a feeling of pressure, it is recommended to consult a doctor. If the symptoms persist for several days or spread further, a visit to the doctor is necessary to determine the cause. If there are disturbances in the use of necessary visual aids, the observations should be discussed with a doctor. In case of psychological problems, a general feeling of discomfort or heaviness on the eyelid, a medical examination is recommended. If ulcers develop on the eyelid, or if there is pain or discomfort from the eyelashes, the symptoms should be professionally examined and treated by a physician. Any numbness or sensory disturbances in the eye should be evaluated by a physician. Changes or disturbances of the usual tear flow are warnings of the organism for existing discrepancies. A visit to the doctor is necessary as soon as the eye feels very dry or the tear flow cannot be stopped. A burning sensation of the eyes also indicates an existing condition that needs medical attention.
Treatment and therapy
The therapy of eyelid edema is always strictly based on the underlying causes, which are not always easy to find out even for experienced therapists. If the triggering factor for eyelid edema is known, therapy consists primarily of avoiding this allergenic substance in the future. Various blood and skin tests can provide information about an allergenic substance as the cause of eyelid edema. Many patients describe that the swelling of the eyelid is worst in the morning after awakening. In order to provide fast and effective relief, cooled compresses in the form of compresses soaked in black tea or so-called cold packs, but also the application of cucumber slices have proven effective. All therapeutic measures are aimed at cooling the swelling of the eyelid. For oral therapy, the doctor will also prescribe various anti-allergic drugs, so-called antihistamines. The dosage chosen here always depends on the severity of the symptoms. Eyelid edema that has existed for many years can also be addressed surgically, if necessary, but such cosmetic surgery does not eliminate the cause, of course.
Outlook and prognosis
Often, eyelid edema is an allergic reaction. This basically goes as not curable. Nevertheless, freedom from symptoms can be achieved if the triggering stimuli are completely avoided. Changes in personal hygiene and the use of cosmetic products can be made so that the symptoms are alleviated and no new formation occurs in the long term. Eyelid edema does not normally trigger further complications or secondary diseases. If the treatment is successful and the disease triggers are avoided in the course of life, no long-term impairments or disorders are to be expected under optimal conditions.The probability of acquiring inflammation in the area of the eyeball is nevertheless increased. This is especially true for patients whose immune system is weakened and who show an increased susceptibility to inflammatory diseases. In rare cases, emotional states of distress can be documented based on the visual abnormalities. The risk for the onset of a mental disorder is thus increased. If the disease progresses chronically, cosmetic surgery should be considered. During the surgical procedure, the unwanted tissue changes are removed so that freedom from symptoms is also achieved after the wound healing process. If complications occur, the patient may suffer from unwanted scarring or develop sepsis. The latter represents a potential threat to human life.
Prevention
For prophylaxis of eyelid edema, experts recommend avoiding cigarette smoke and alcohol, especially in the evening hours. Especially in the case of eyelid swelling that is not allergic in nature, it is recommended to use special makeup techniques with rather dark colors to cover up as a preventive measure.
Aftercare
Eyelid edema can lead to various complications, and its further course is usually highly dependent on the exact cause and the time of diagnosis. These factors also determine the type and urgency of follow-up care. The disease primarily leads to severely swollen eyes. This can sometimes be alleviated with the help of eye drops or ointments, but it is advisable to discuss this with the attending physician in advance. Self-healing cannot occur, so that the affected person is always dependent on treatment by a doctor. In many cases, eyelid edema is triggered by an allergy, so the affected person should avoid the triggering substance. However, eyelid edema can usually be relatively well treated again, so that there is also no reduced life expectancy of the patient due to this disease.
What you can do yourself
What measures the patient can take himself in the case of eyelid edema always depends on the underlying causes. In principle, an attempt should be made to avoid the substance that triggered the allergy in the future. An allergy test provides information about the triggering substance. The patient should have an allergy card issued after diagnosis so that first responders can react quickly if anaphylactic shock should ever occur. Eyelid edema itself can be treated with the help of classic home remedies. Cooling, for example, in the form of cooled compresses or black tea compresses, has proven effective. For oral therapy, in addition to the antihistamines prescribed by the doctor, homeopathic globules can also be used. The use of alternative remedies should be discussed with a doctor beforehand. In the case of chronic eyelid edema, surgery is usually necessary. After the operation, rest and relaxation are indicated. The affected eyelid should not be exposed to any major stress such as cold or wind in the first days after the operation. Cooling and analgesic remedies from nature also help in the aftercare and can support the medical follow-up treatment well.
