Quite often, even minor eye damage leads to vision impairment. In exceptional cases, such damage can cause blindness. At the same time, a lot depends on the timely provision of emergency medical care. After all, without it, the likelihood of serious complications (intraocular hemorrhages, loss of internal membranes, intraocular purulent infection) increases significantly and threatens the loss of the organ of vision.
Next, let's look at the most important points in providing medical care in case of a blow to the eye, and figure out what to do if it hurts, is red and swollen.
What do bags under the eyes tell you?
One of the signs of local eye pathologies or systemic diseases is swelling of the upper or lower eyelids. It represents the excess content of intercellular fluid, lymph, blood or pus in the fiber.
Swelling of the eyelids is easy to detect during self-examination. Due to swelling, the eyes are difficult to open, which causes severe discomfort to the person. Swelling is often accompanied by pain, itching, burning and various discharges from the eyes.
Based on the frequency of occurrence of this symptom, isolated or recurrent symptoms are distinguished. Regarding location:
- Swelling of the upper eyelid. The patient notes swelling, a significant increase in the size of the eyelid, and its hanging over the eye.
- Swelling of the lower eyelid. Characterized by the formation of pronounced bags under the eyes. As a rule, swelling of the lower eyelid is bilateral.
What do bags under the eyes tell you? Swelling will not tell you anything good.
- They are usually the result of an incorrect daily routine: lack of sleep, alcohol abuse, poor diet.
- Swelling may be the result of allergies or problems with internal organs.
- Incorrectly selected cream, crying or premenstrual syndrome - all this can also lead to unfortunate swelling.
Regardless of the cause, swollen eyelids do not look aesthetically pleasing and add several years to your age. It is urgent to restore the attractiveness of the eyes. Decorative cosmetics cannot do this; it will only emphasize the puffiness. Other, more effective, emergency measures are needed.
Diagnosis and treatment
To find out the cause of eyelid swelling, you need not to delay and undergo diagnostics, which is carried out visually. For a more accurate diagnosis, you need to take urine and blood tests. A blood test is necessary to calculate the level of protein, urine - to identify kidney pathologies. In some individual cases, a CT scan or ultrasound may be required.
At the first symptoms of eyelid swelling, you should not:
- press or pierce an abscess;
- warm the eyelid, apply oil compresses;
- use decorative cosmetics;
- wear contact lenses.
The consequences of delayed treatment can be very different, including:
- elevated temperature;
- elephantiasis;
- glaucoma;
- increased intraocular and intracranial pressure;
- deterioration of vision, even complete loss of vision is possible.
To eliminate swelling, you should definitely consult a specialist. Only the attending physician can say whether these procedures are necessary or not. Procedures that eliminate swelling include:
- Masks, lotions and all kinds of creams are high-quality cosmetology products.
- The use of suspensions or eye drops on an anti-inflammatory or hormonal basis, antiallergic drugs, diuretics.
- Massages, thanks to which you can restore the functioning of the lymphatic system and remove excess fluid.
- Traditional methods - masks, lotions or diuretic teas.
If swelling of the eyelids occurs in the morning, then it is first necessary to identify the cause of this phenomenon. If the cause is an allergic reaction, then you need to eliminate the allergen and take an antiallergic drug. If the reason lies in the disease, then the eyes will stop swelling only after complete recovery. In the case where swelling appears after an insect bite or wound, you should wait for complete healing. The release of excess fluid can be accelerated by the following methods: mesotherapy, physiotherapy, medication treatment.
Causes of eye swelling
As they say, forewarned is forearmed. Therefore, you must not only be able to get rid of the problem, you also need to know why it arises. The reasons may be varied. Swelling of the eyelids develops as a result of the following factors:
- local inflammatory process of the upper eyelid – blepharitis;
- dacryocystitis – inflammation of the lacrimal gland and its ducts;
- mechanical damage to the mucous membrane;
- furunculosis;
- conjunctivitis;
- insomnia;
- alcohol abuse;
- smoking;
- use of low-quality cosmetics;
- insect bites;
- lymphatic drainage disorders;
- allergic reactions;
- age-related changes in the skin and tissue of the eyelid;
- formation of fatty hernias;
- use of medicines;
- excess salt intake;
- pregnancy.
In the presence of chronic diseases, water-salt metabolism is disrupted, so swollen eyelids are often a symptom of serious systemic pathologies:
- lesions of the cardiovascular system - arterial hypertension, coronary heart disease;
- hormonal disorders;
- chronic diseases of the genitourinary system - pyelonephritis, glomerulonephritis, renal failure, urolithiasis;
- diseases of the gastrointestinal tract - gastritis, ulcers;
- metabolic disorders due to diabetes mellitus.
It is important to remember: the cause of a cosmetic defect is hidden inside the body.
Why does the upper eyelid swell?
All causes of swelling in the upper eyelid are divided into pathological and non-pathological. Let's look at these categories separately.
Non-pathological causes include the following list of factors.
- Constant eye fatigue and associated factors - stress, nervous disorders, insufficient sleep, long periods of time in front of the monitor and TV, any prolonged stress on the eye.
- Abuse of alcohol, especially before going to bed at night, is one of the main causes of swelling in the morning.
- Incorrect position of the body and head during sleep. Lying on one side all night leads to fluid flowing to the left or right side, which causes swelling on only one side. The lack of an elevated position of the head provokes a greater flow of blood and fluid to it, so it is imperative to sleep with a pillow with a slight upward tilt.
- Poor nutrition, preference for eating too salty foods in large quantities, which retains water in all tissues of the body. The same applies to peppered foods; they make you want to drink a lot.
- Drinking too much.
- Excessive exposure to sunlight, which leads to burns and, as a result, the eyelids swell.
- A foreign body enters the eye and moves under the upper eyelid. It could be dirt, sand, any small particle, even a lobe or a mosquito.
- Makeup. Poor quality makeup or its prolonged presence on the upper eyelid, including all night.
- Cosmetology procedures - eyebrow tattooing, eyelash extensions, injections of drugs for skin rejuvenation and wrinkle prevention. Tattooing and injections may be accompanied by swelling for 1-2 days, but no more. If it is longer and there is redness with the presence of pus, this indicates inflammation and you need to see a doctor.
- Lack of water balance. Due to too weak a drinking regime, the body experiences stress and begins to accumulate liquid in excess quantities in order to protect itself in the future for normal functioning. The daily dose of water is 1.5-2 liters daily.
- Injury. Injury to the eye resulting from direct mechanical impact (impact). Swelling extends only to the site of injury, but can also occur on both sides if the blow falls on the bridge of the nose, and not only swelling occurs, but also bluish skin.
- Hereditary factor.
- Poor personal hygiene.
- Often the eyes become swollen from crying.
- violation of general circulation;
- an allergic reaction to external irritants, rapid spread of swelling on the face may be observed;
- inflammatory, infectious and bacterial processes.
Let's take a closer look at the diseases that can cause swelling.
Massage treatments
Massage will help remove swelling. Using light movements, lightly pressing on the skin, massage the eyelids with your fingertips for several minutes. The skin in this area is very thin, delicate and requires careful handling.
To achieve the best effect, you must use natural oils: grape seed, almond, peach or moisturizer. After the massage procedure, you should briefly apply cotton pads soaked in cold water.
In addition, it is recommended to perform some exercises:
- Squeezing your eyes shut. You need to close your eyes tightly for 5-7 seconds, then open your eyes wide. The exercise should be repeated 10-12 times.
- Circular rotation of the eyeballs. It is necessary to perform several rotations clockwise, then counterclockwise. At the same time, you should keep your head straight.
- Blinking. You should blink quickly and relax your eye muscles for 10-12 seconds.
- Complete the set of exercises with palming.
Medications
Medicines should be used to eliminate swelling of the eyelids only as prescribed by the attending physician, after examination, tests and clarification of the diagnosis. Here are the main groups of drugs that are used to eliminate swelling:
- Antibiotics. Used for established bacterial infections. As a rule, antibacterial agents are prescribed for local use: Tetracycline ointment, Gentamicin or Erythromycin.
- Diuretics. Prescribed for decreased kidney function, sometimes for allergic edema. They use drugs in tablet form: Lasix, Furosemide.
- Antiviral drugs. Prescribed for established viral infections of the mucous membrane of the eyes: conjunctivitis, ophthalmic herpes. The most commonly used ointments are Virolex and Bonafton.
It is no secret that vasoconstrictor ointments aimed at eliminating bruises help relieve swelling from the eyes. They have anti-inflammatory, anti-edematous, thrombolytic abilities. They also contain cooling elements, which has a positive effect on severe swelling.
Thanks to the convenient formula and selected components, the effect of the product occurs in a couple of minutes. The result also lasts a long time – up to 12 hours. The anti-edema remedy must be purchased only at a pharmacy and used according to the instructions.
Creams and gel are not applied to the dermis. Some components may cause irritation; do not use the product on the mucous membrane, otherwise irritation will occur, tears will flow, and the appearance will be spoiled. If everything is done correctly, the cosmetic defect will quickly disappear.
What methods are used
First of all, a patient who consults a doctor with a similar problem should understand that it is not enough to remove swelling from the upper eyelids; it is just a symptom of some disorder, allergy or injury. It is necessary to eliminate the cause, that is, carry out full treatment, which will be selected by the doctor after making an accurate diagnosis.
- In case of allergies, it is necessary to identify the allergen irritant and limit contact with it. Additionally, local and systemic antihistamines may be prescribed.
- For infectious ophthalmic diseases, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial ointments are used. The drug Floxal has proven itself well. It is applied to the swelling for styes and blepharitis three times a day until the symptoms of the disease completely disappear, usually for at least five days. Floxal not only removes swelling and redness, but also neutralizes pathogenic microorganisms that provoke the disease. For conjunctivitis and keratitis, eye drops with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects are traditionally used. In the acute stage of the disease, drops are administered every two hours, on the second or third day - from two to four times a day.
- For injuries with hematoma (bruises, bruises), cold compresses are used on the first day, then ointments that stimulate blood circulation and relieve inflammation.
- For internal diseases associated with impaired removal of fluid from the body, diuretics are used - diuretics. Other medications are selected depending on the underlying disease. Once it is healed, the swelling will also go away.
In any case, during treatment it will not be superfluous to follow a gentle diet and lead as healthy a lifestyle as possible. This means that you should not consume salty foods, alcohol, or liquids before bed, properly distribute sleep and rest time, and avoid stress.
There are other methods that can quickly and effectively deal with swelling of the eyelids above or below the eyes. These include:
- mesotherapy – subcutaneous administration of drugs that stimulate the outflow of excess fluid;
- physiotherapy – microcurrent therapy, manual or vacuum roller massage;
- blepharoplasty – tightening the skin of the eyelids, eliminating congenital defects, cosmetic defects after injury or surgery;
- cosmetics – creams, lotions, serums, masks.
The main goals of treatment are to stop the inflammatory process, stimulate the removal of fluid from the body, metabolic processes, and tighten the skin of the eyelids. Not all physical procedures and cosmetic measures are allowed to be carried out for certain pathologies, so consultation with a doctor and professional supervision of treatment are necessary. Naturally, folk remedies are used along with cosmetic and medicinal ones.
How to remove swelling from the eye after an impact: black glasses are canceled
First of all, after a blow, you must immediately apply cold: a few ice cubes, a cold spoon, a cup of cold water.
A compress of mashed potatoes, which should be wrapped in gauze or a clean cloth and applied to the sore spot for 5-10 minutes, then rinsed with water, helps relieve swelling.
An effective remedy for swelling is bodyagi gel. It is applied to the site of swelling in a thin layer. Leave for 10-15 minutes.
In the presence of a hematoma, the use of Troxevasin or Lyoton ointments gives excellent results.
Basic mechanisms of age-related changes
The anatomy of the periorbital region, in which the problem of the hanging upper eyelid is observed, has its own characteristics. This specificity determines the maximum susceptibility of the area around the eyes to age-related changes, which include negative structural and biochemical transformations and a decrease in the ability to self-heal. Over time, the skin gradually becomes thinner, the thickness of the epidermis decreases, and the facial muscles lose tone. As a result, the muscle tissue that holds the upper eyelid in the correct position above the eye weakens, and ptosis occurs.
| Degree of drooping eyelids | ||
| 1. | Partial ptosis | The eyelid hangs over 1/3 of the pupil |
| 2. | Incomplete ptosis | Closed from 1/2 to 2/3 of the pupil |
| 3. | Complete ptosis | The pupil is completely closed |
The inevitable aging processes occur in all parts of the eyelid, but the degree of intensity of degenerative changes depends on lifestyle, negative external influences, genetic factors and other individual characteristics that affect the structure of the skin and ligaments. The fight against the impending eyelid will be more effective if you correctly determine the causes of ptosis and act comprehensively to solve the problem, using various techniques on an ongoing basis.
Eye swelling due to allergies, what to do
In order to quickly relieve allergic swelling, it is necessary, first of all, to eliminate the effect of the factor that caused such a reaction (cosmetics, food, dust, animal hair, midge bite), and rinse the eyes with plenty of running water.
Then take an antiallergic drug or apply directly to the area of swelling. As a rule, antihistamines are used: Suprastin, Cetrin.
Cold compresses made from a piece of ice or frozen chamomile decoction have a good effect. You can also wipe the eyelid with a solution of novocaine or anesthesin. The area where the swelling has formed can be anointed with Prednisolone or Celestoderm.
Cosmetics to eliminate swelling
To effectively eliminate puffiness, it is recommended to use those cosmetics for the skin around the eyes that contain caffeine, which improves blood circulation in the tissues. Additional hydration can be achieved by adding vitamin E, essential oils, grape seed extracts, parsley, and rice bran to the product.
Cosmetic patches soaked in moisturizing and toning ingredients - aloe juice, glycerin - will help you get rid of swelling of the eyelids in a short time. Upon contact with the skin, all substances penetrate the skin, tighten it, improve lymph flow and blood circulation. Apply cosmetic patches every day at night or in the morning.
Prevention measures
Preventing swelling is not so difficult if you follow these simple rules:
giving up alcohol and smoking; healthy eating, adherence to sleep and rest patterns; sports, hardening; limiting salt intake; use of high-quality cosmetics, compliance with hygiene rules; the use of eye protection in hazardous industries, at sea, in the sunny season; caution when playing and playing sports to avoid eye injuries; timely treatment of any infectious diseases.
Conclusion. Puffiness of the eyelids is not such an innocent phenomenon as many people believe, and not just an unsightly cosmetic defect. Often this is a symptom of a serious internal disease that must be treated. Ignoring eye swelling can cause swelling of the eyeball, elephantiasis, glaucoma and even blindness. Therefore, you should first of all remember a healthy lifestyle and preventive measures. And if an unpleasant symptom does appear, then promptly seek help from a doctor.
It is always unpleasant to wake up in the morning to find swollen eyelids. Such a circumstance can become a problem for the whole day. In order not to experience these difficulties in the future, you need to know the reasons for their occurrence.
Traditional recipes against edema
To get your face in order in literally 15 minutes, you can use the following folk recipes:
Application of compresses
- Pour boiling water over the tea bag, put it in the refrigerator for 10 minutes to cool, then apply it to the eyelids.
- Grate raw potatoes, put the pulp on a piece of gauze, and apply to the eyes.
- Wrap a piece of ice in a bandage and wipe not only the area around the eye, but the entire face.
- A compress of chamomile infusion will remove swelling in just a couple of minutes. Brew pharmaceutical chamomile at the rate of 1-1.5 tbsp. l. half a glass of water, leave for 10-15 minutes. Then dip cotton pads into the infusion, squeeze lightly, and apply to eyes for 15 minutes.
- Prepare a decoction of parsley and celery. Grate the raw potatoes and add them to the hot broth. Leave for 15-20 minutes. Add a few drops of vegetable oil. Place the mixture on pieces of gauze. Make compresses 2-3 times a day.
- Cucumber. You can quickly remove swelling with the help of this healthy vegetable, which has the ability to draw excess moisture through the skin. The cucumber must be fresh and cold. You need to cut off two circles and put them on the eyes. Keep for 15-20 minutes.
- Cucumber juice quite effectively removes puffiness; you need to moisten cotton swabs with it and apply for 10 - 15 minutes.
Nourishing and skin-tightening masks
- Express mask made from cucumbers or cucumber juice. This is a proven, effective remedy. If time permits, you can grate the cucumber on a fine grater. Wrap the resulting composition in gauze and apply to the eyelids. You can simply cut the cucumber into rings and apply them for a quarter of an hour.
- A mask made from egg whites is effective: beat the whites with a mixer whisk; applied to swollen areas; After 15 minutes, when the product has dried, it is gently washed off with water. Protein also tightens the skin.
- Potato tuber slices save the eyes from swelling, bruising and discomfort; cabbage leaf in the form of a mask will help remove bruises.
- Pumpkin mask - boil pumpkin pieces until soft. After this, mash them with a spoon until a homogeneous paste forms, add 1 teaspoon of honey. Apply a warm, but not hot mask to the face and neck. After 15 minutes, remove everything and wash with warm water. The mask will help relieve swelling quickly and effectively for a long time.
Important: multiple traditional medicine recipes should be used in complex therapy or in cases where the source of swelling is lack of sleep or fatigue.
Chalazion
Tumor of the upper eyelid often occurs in both children and adults; what should be done in this case? First of all, consult a doctor, as this may be a condition called chalazion. A chalazion can develop on both eyelids at the same time. Visually, it resembles barley, but their main difference is that the pus with barley is liquid, while with chalazion it hardens, encapsulates and can be quite difficult to cure.
The cause of a chalazion can be either an infection brought into the eye by dirty hands or a bacteria (for example, Staphylococcus aureus). Chalazion is most often located in the middle of the upper eyelid, while styes are usually localized at the edge of the eyelids.
Chalazion can be treated at home (with medication) or with the help of surgery, during which the capsule is opened under general anesthesia and the pus is removed from there. If the chalazion does not enlarge or become inflamed, then you can lubricate it with a special ointment (for example, Floxal). With proper treatment, a tumor on the eyelid will resolve within 2-4 months, not earlier.
Among the folk remedies, one can highlight ordinary church oil, which can also be used by small children. Before using any of the products, you should consult an ophthalmologist.
How to prevent swelling
Naturally, you can get rid of this problem just by regularly leading a healthy lifestyle. If you are actively involved in sports, monitor the quality of your diet, do not indulge in alcohol, and do not allow stress to become the master of your life, then not only your eyes, but your entire body will thank you.
You will always look young and fresh, catching the admiring glances of others. If you follow these simple rules, a contrasting wash in the morning will be enough for you to look irresistible.
Why does the upper eyelid hurt?
The formation of swelling over the organ of vision appears from drinking a large amount of liquid, in particular before bedtime. You can get rid of this problem if you wash your face and then make a lotion from the tea infusion.
If swelling of the eyelid is accompanied by pain, it appears for the following reasons:
- From the appearance of allergies - active flowering of plants can reveal an allergic reaction in a person, so swelling appears above the eye. It is imperative to take antihistamines, otherwise angioedema will develop.
- Due to a cold, the eyes become swollen and the upper eyelid begins to hurt. This occurs from increased lacrimation, resulting in swelling of the nasal sinuses.
- After the inflammatory process appears, swelling above the eye appears due to the onset of a disease of the organ of vision.
The first sign of swollen eyelids, as well as painful eyelids, are the following diseases:
Other reasons:
- In women, the upper eyelids swell due to the use of poor quality cosmetics.
- The disease manifests itself in people who suffer from impaired water metabolism, as well as if there is a hormonal imbalance.
- After prolonged crying, the eyelid often swells and the eyes begin to hurt. This occurs in people with sensitive skin.
Many symptoms can cause not only swelling of the eyelid, but also an inflammatory process.
