Swollen eyelids in the morning | Swollen eyelids

Swollen eyelids in the morning

Swollen eyelids in the morning are usually caused by a short night or a bad and restless sleep. Excessive alcohol consumption the night before can also lead to swelling of the eyelids. However, not only alcohol, but also a very salty, protein-rich meal the evening before can have an unfavorable effect on the eyelids.

As long as there is only an occasional morning swelling of the eyelids, this is not a problem, since it is primarily a cosmetic impairment and less a serious medical problem. However, if they wake up more often or even regularly in the morning with visibly swollen eyelids, they should possibly reconsider their sleeping behavior, their alcohol consumption or even the choice of food for dinner. Thus, a great positive effect can often be achieved with small and simple measures. However, if the eyes are permanently swollen and the swelling does not disappear easily after some time, they should definitely consult a doctor.

Swollen eyelids in child and baby

Basically, the eyes and eyelids of children, toddlers and babies are no different from those of adults. However, there are some special features that ensure that certain clinical pictures occur more often in children than in adults. In addition, the body of small children as a whole is still relatively receptive and sensitive to environmental influences, which is why babies in particular can develop abnormalities in the eye area more quickly.

In general, it can be said as a rule of thumb that it is better to go to the doctor once too often than once too little in the case of eye complaints in small children, as the situation can sometimes be difficult for parents to assess. A very common problem in infants is, for example, a blocked tear duct. The small tear ducts, which are responsible for the drainage of tear fluid into the nose, are not always completely open in babies.

This is quite normal and disappears of its own accord within the first months of life. Sometimes, however, the small ducts are so narrow that they cause discomfort. The fluid then cannot drain off properly and collects in the eyes, where it then ensures that the eye is permanently wet and the eyelids become clogged.

This usually only occurs in one eye, rarely in both at the same time. Environmental substances such as dust, small foreign bodies, smoke and the like can also irritate small children’s eyes sensitively. In addition, bacteria can cause the eyelid margin to become inflamed.If a child suffers from neurodermatitis, the already dry, flaky skin around the eyes is particularly susceptible to such inflammations.

The eyes then start to produce more fluid, which collects at the edges of the eyelids and forms crusts there, which additionally irritates the eyes and causes redness. If the crusts show a slightly yellowish color, this can be an indication of a bacterial infection. Conjunctivitis is also relatively common in infants and toddlers.

The triggers can be viruses, bacteria or even small foreign bodies or simply strong wind. If the eye is then infected, the small blood vessels dilate and fill up with more blood, which makes the conjunctiva appear red. The eye swells and itches and burns unpleasantly.

The eye also produces more secretion and the color can be an indication of the cause of the inflammation. Children are not spared from allergies either, and so from kindergarten age onwards there is an increased incidence of eye problems in the little ones caused by external allergens. The typical clinical picture then manifests itself in red, itchy eyes, which often also water strongly, and the nose runs and itches as well. It is important that the parents try to make sure that the child does not rub the eyes too much, because this irritates the mucous membranes and increases the redness and itching.