What other symptoms occur in ocular edema?

Edema of the eye is characterized by a more or less pronounced swelling of the eyelids. Depending on the cause, the swelling can either be unilateral or affect both eyes. In some cases the swelling can be so severe that vision is impaired.

Particularly in the case of irritated or inflamed eyes, itching, redness or increased tear production often occur as accompanying symptoms. Especially in the morning, the eyes are often covered with dried secretion. The eyelids may be dry and painful. Sometimes those affected also suffer from a pronounced foreign body sensation in the eyes or increased sensitivity to light. In acute allergic reactions, the swelling of the eyelids is often accompanied by raised redness, square-shaped skin changes and weeping blisters.

How is oedema of the eye treated?

Edema of the eye does not always have to be examined by a doctor. Especially if the swelling was caused by too little sleep or heavy crying, there is no acute need for action. Only edema that persists for a long time, cannot be explained by harmless causes or is accompanied by accompanying symptoms should be examined by a doctor.

The doctor diagnoses oedema of the eye on the basis of the characteristic swelling around the eyelid. If a bacterial infection is suspected as the cause, the doctor may take a smear of the eye secretion and have it microbiologically examined. If an allergic reaction is suspected, blood is taken and a series of allergy tests are performed.

Duration of oedema of the eye

How long an oedema lasts in the eye depends on the type of oedema and the cause.

In the case of swelling caused by insufficient sleep or after crying for a long time, it usually takes only a few hours before the excess fluid has been removed from the tissue and the edema has disappeared.
In the case of allergies, it may take longer, depending on how strong the allergic reaction is and how long the contact with the substance causing the allergy lasts.
Edema of the eye caused by an inflammation, such as a bacterial infection, can persist for up to several days. The administration of antibiotics usually leads to a rapid improvement.