Swelling under the eye may appear as lacrimal sac or edema. These swellings are usually harmless in nature. But swelling under the eye can also be due to eye infections, bruises, cold symptoms or allergic reactions in the facial area. In this case, it is necessary to investigate what is causing it in order to take appropriate measures. Skin diseases or bacterial pathogens in the eye can also cause inflammatory swelling under the eye.
What is swelling under the eye?
Swelling under the eye is usually caused by water retention (edema) or inflammation. They should always be evaluated by a doctor. Initially, swelling under the eye is defined as a localized swelling of the skin and connective tissue below the eyes. This is caused by water retention in the tissue. The swelling can be based on different causes. On the one hand, it can be a hereditary and purely cosmetic problem. However, swelling under the eye can also occur due to an acute injury or be due to inflammatory processes. In the case of an injury, discoloration due to bruising is likely to occur in addition to swelling under the eye. However, swelling under the eye can also occur due to exposure to germs and viruses in the eye.
Causes
Edematous swelling of the eye is often due to water retention below the eye. For example, the morning edema may have developed after a night of partying. Eye swelling can also be hereditary or age-related. Thin skin and numerous lymphatic and blood vessels around the eyes promote increased fluid retention. Pronounced edema around the eyes is also known as bags under the eyes. These can appear after getting up and later disappear. An acute one-sided occurrence of eye swelling with pain at the edge of the eyelid could indicate a developing stye or bacterial inflammation of the conjunctiva. However, eye puffiness, edema and bags under the eyes can also be a permanent cosmetic problem. Inflammation in the eye area quickly leads to swelling under the eye. The organism buffers the invaded germs by storing more tissue water. As the inflammation subsides, the swelling often disappears as well. Another type of eyelid swelling may be genetically determined. It may run in families. Hemangioma, also known as capillary hemangioma, also causes swelling under the eye. Rather rarely, the cause of the swelling is a malignant tumor in the eye area. Allergic reactions such as hives can also cause swelling under the eye. If the swelling under the eye occurs in a pregnant woman, it may be the first sign of preeclampsia. Pregnancy-related swelling of the eyelid is also known as gestosis. Preeclampsia can become dangerous for both mother and baby if not treated promptly. If swelling under the eye results from severe inflammatory processes in the area of the eyes and orbits, medical action should be taken immediately. Swelling in the facial area caused by severe allergic reactions or angioedema is at increased risk of anaphylactic shock. The causes of swelling under the eye are not always immediately apparent. Often, only the accompanying symptoms reveal the culprit of eye swelling.
Diseases with this symptom
- Edema
- Bruising due to injuries
- Eyelid edema
- Eye herpes
- Bags under the eyes
- Stye
- Hives
- Conjunctivitis
- Eye inflammation
- Quincke’s edema
- Various allergies
Complications
Although swelling under the eye is often harmless in nature, it can lead to complications. In case of infection with swelling under the eye must be treated promptly. Otherwise, there is a risk of irreversible damage to the eye. Danger to the life of the mother and the child is imminent in the case of pre-eclampsia. The subsequent eclampsia is a feared complication of pregnancy. If left untreated, it often leads to death. If there is a suspicion that the swelling under the eye could be of a less harmless nature, an ophthalmologist should be consulted immediately.Complications of the eye can permanently limit the ability to see. Swelling under the eye can also be a complication after taking medication. In this case, the drug should be discontinued after consultation with the attending physician. It may be an allergic reaction or drug intolerance. If the swelling under the eye has occurred as a result of acute ocular herpes disease, the severity of the disease is indicated by burning, itching and a foreign body sensation in the eye. The ophthalmologist must be consulted immediately if a herpes outbreak is suspected on or in the eye. With each occurrence of a herpes outbreak on or in the eye, there is a risk of losing parts of the ability to see. In addition, it is possible to spread the herpes virus even further. Complications as a result of swelling under the eyes are usually indicated by other symptoms such as redness, pain, burning, warmth or stinging.
When should you go to the doctor?
If someone wakes up daily in the early morning with swelling under the eye, it may be harmless. Puffiness around the eyes can be age-related, the result of a cold, or hereditary. Thus, they do not require a visit to the doctor. Harmless eye swellings also often occur after a night of drinking. Such water retention usually disappears after getting up. Cold showers can help to reduce the swelling around the eyes. However, if other symptoms are observed, increased attention is required. Burning and itching of the eyes with redness and a foreign body sensation indicates an eye disease. This is in any case in need of treatment. It does not matter whether it is an allergic conjunctivitis, an intruded foreign body or a herpes outbreak. A visit to the doctor is then absolutely necessary. Redness and swelling of the face can also be accompanied by pustules or shortness of breath. In this case, an allergic reaction to cosmetics or medications should be considered. Allergies to food can also lead to such reactions and swelling under the eye. Since there is a risk of anaphylactic shock or the development of asthma, prompt medical attention is advised. If necessary, the emergency physician should be notified. If the swelling under the eye is accompanied by sudden visual disturbances, unusual pain or hardening in the area of the swelling, the visit to the doctor should be scheduled immediately. Increased risk potential also exists for a pregnant woman who discovers swelling in the ankle area in addition to swelling under the eye. The immediate visit to the doctor may reveal preeclampsia, which requires treatment. Also, if swelling under the eyes occurs as a result of high blood pressure, it requires treatment by a doctor. If edema is due to kidney or thyroid disorders, an internist is responsible.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of unusual swelling under the eye is first left to the ophthalmologist. He or she uses his or her usual examination methods to rule out or verify a serious disease or inflammation of the eye. If a herpes outbreak is suspected in the eye, a special test can provide information on whether the suspicion is confirmed. If there is redness, itching or pain, bacterial eye inflammation could also be present. If necessary, a smear test will provide information about the pathogen involved. Age-related edema formations in the face are often the result of declining organ functions. They can also indicate chronic diseases. In this case, the physician must check whether water retention has occurred in the heart or lungs. Edema around the eyes, for example, could be an indicator of increasing heart failure. An internist should be consulted for clarification. He or she will use appropriate diagnostic tools to determine whether or not the swelling under the eyes is indicative of a serious illness. A blood count and sonography can provide initial information about the problem. If a swelling under the eye is suspected to be an allergic reaction, a visit to an allergist is advisable. After taking a medical history, the allergist may perform an allergy test. The extent of the diagnosis depends on the complexity of the complaint.
Treatment and therapy
The treatment of swelling under the eyes depends on the accompanying symptoms or the triggering underlying disease.In the case of hereditary or age-related swellings, cold water casts can be helpful. In the case of tissue effusions that are psychologically very stressful, cosmetic surgery can improve the appearance somewhat. However, the underlying problem tends to remain. If the eyes are swollen because of a severe cold, relieving cold medications and bed rest are advisable. The discomfort will subside as soon as the cold subsides. If the suspicion of an allergy has been confirmed, the triggers must be discontinued. If necessary, antihistamines can alleviate the existing symptoms. Swelling in the eye region can be reduced with repeated cooling and rest. If necessary, treatment with cortisone can be added to the therapy in the short term. In case of eye disease, the swelling or inflammation can be treated with eye drops and ointments. Cold compresses on the eyes are rather not recommended, because germs could be carried away. However, bags under the eyes can be soothed with cooling compresses. Cold compresses can also be helpful for eye swelling after a night of partying. In any case, those affected by facial edema should drink plenty of fluids. This helps the circulation and lymph drainage. With anti-allergic bed covers or mite encasings and a powerful air filter, swelling around the eyes triggered by pollen loads, bed mites or feathers in the ticking can be alleviated.
Outlook and prognosis
Initially, puffy eyes are not suspected to be a serious disease or ocular inflammation unless other symptoms are present. In cases of edema due to life and daily activities, the prognosis is good. In most cases, the water retention disappears in the course of the day or at least diminishes. Edema most often occurs in the early morning, with colds, and with severe fatigue. The outlook is worse if the swollen eyes have developed as a consequence of an unrecognized underlying disease. As long as the triggering underlying disease is not treated, a prompt improvement cannot be expected. In the presence of an allergy, the eyes remain permanently swollen due to constant contact with the allergen. However, the swelling can be improved or eliminated by appropriate measures. If the complaints and swellings are an accompanying symptom of severe respiratory infections, these should be treated quickly. In this way, complications can be avoided. The complaints soon subside. The prognosis is worse if it is a genuine viral flu. If the flu is prolonged, weakened people may be in danger of losing their lives due to myocarditis. The prognosis is good only with immediate rest and medical treatment. If necessary, the patient should be admitted to a hospital. The swelling under the eye is then the least of his problems.
Prevention
To prevent preventable swelling under the eye, a healthy lifestyle and diet should be strived for. Both of these form the basis for continued health. They minimize the danger posed by recurrent herpes outbreaks on the eye. A diet rich in vital nutrients provides good protection against colds. It can prevent unwanted edema formation. Exercise and Kneipp’s treatments can improve lymphatic drainage. Drinking one and a half to two liters of mineral water a day is often neglected. However, it can ensure better removal of excess tissue water. The less salt added to food, the less pronounced are age-related or hereditary swellings under the eye. In particular, the avoidance of highly industrially processed foods is advised. Ready-made foods are often loaded with a lot of salt, fat and sugar. Those affected should also be sparing with alcoholic beverages. Gentle facial massages and firm skin can help prevent edema around the eye. The earlier in the day the circulation gets going, the faster the body can remove excess tissue water. Plenty of exercise in the fresh air is healthy. It promotes circulatory activity. Swimming in cold lake water can also be a helpful measure against facial edema. Protection of the eyes should be provided, if possible, by swimming or sunglasses, a sun hat and good hand hygiene. This prevents the spread of germs and over-irritation of the eyes.Allergy sufferers can only arm themselves against mites, pollen and other allergens to a limited extent. At night, pollen allergy sufferers can use an air purifier and antihistamines. During the day, they are mostly exposed to pollen in the appropriate season. Against bed mites, sufferers can protect themselves with encasings over the ticking.
What you can do yourself
Against some swelling under the eye is no herb grown. At best, it can be surgically removed or somewhat mitigated by cooling pads. In any case, it is helpful to drink two liters of still mineral water daily. This stimulates the lymphatic transport. Morning swellings under the eye can be treated with cooling glasses or a cooling gel. If there is no inflammation on or in the eye, cucumber slices placed on the eyes help. These provide moisture from the outside and cool at the same time. A gentle circular massage of the swollen eye area can also do good. With circular movements, the skin around the eyes is smoothed out, massaged or gently patted. Whether it is useful to follow recommendations that advise the application of hemorroid ointment or ointments with horse chestnut extract to the edema should be clarified with the attending physician. Such ointments do indeed have decongestant effects. However, their use is to be called unusual in the eye region. Special eye care products are better. These stimulate decongestion with caffeine or green tea extracts. Caution is advised for wearers of contact lenses. If a bacterial infection in the eye is the cause of the swelling, the contact lenses should be replaced. They could cause a new self-infection.
