Eyelid Swelling in Children

Eyes are one of the most sensitive and delicate parts of our body, and therefore, even a minor irritation or infection can lead to several eye disorders. The term 'eyelid disorders' are generally used to refer to the conditions that affect the eyelid.

Eyelid swelling or swollen eyelid is a common eyelid disorder. Eyelid swelling or inflammation is quite common in children, and they can develop this condition due to a number of factors. Swelling can affect both the upper and the lower eyelids.

The eyelids can get inflamed due to a minor trauma to the eyes or allergies. An allergic reaction can be triggered by allergens like dust, pollen, hair sprays, and certain specific foods and drugs. Sometimes, chemicals found in cosmetics used for eye makeup can also trigger an allergic reaction, and cause eyelid swelling.

Sometimes, swollen eyelids in children and adults can be associated with a condition called blepharitis. This condition is characterized by the inflammation and crusting of the margins of the eyelid. Blepharitis can be associated with a bacterial infection caused by the staphylococcus bacteria. Even conditions like acne rosacea, dandruff, and dry eyes can cause this eye disease.

Another possible cause of swollen eyelids is pink eye or conjunctivitis, which affects the conjunctiva and the inner surface of the eyelid. It can be caused by viral or bacterial infections, allergies, and irritants.

Apart from these, conditions like eye stye (caused by an infection of the sebaceous glands of the eye), chalazion (a cyst that develops due to a blocked Meibomian or tear gland), trichinosis (caused by the infestation of trichina larvae), and eyelid edema (fluid retention in the eyelid) can cause eyelid swelling.

Some less common causes of swollen eyelids are, herpes, cellulitis, orbital cellulitis, blocked sinuses, and kidney disorders like glomerulonephritis and nephrotic syndrome. Depending on the underlying causes, eyelid swelling can be accompanied by symptoms like pain, redness, excessive tearing, irritation or a burning sensation in the eye, and itching.

Eyelid swelling can be treated only after ascertaining the underlying cause. Certain home remedies like a cold or warm compress can provide significant relief, if the swelling is not severe.

But if the swelling is associated with any of the aforementioned eye diseases, then appropriate medications would be required for the effective treatment of this condition.

Generally, topical antibiotics or antibiotic ointments are prescribed for conditions like blepharitis and eye stye. For pink eye, over-the-counter eye drops and certain antibiotic ointments can be recommended by the physician after evaluating the condition. For treating swollen eyelid caused by allergies, antihistamines can be required.

However, the best way to treat allergy is the identification and avoidance of the specific allergen/allergens. Severe swelling and inflammation of the eyelid can sometimes require medications other than those mentioned above. If the inflammation is quite severe, one should consult a physician for proper treatment. In fact, children should be given any kind of medication only after consulting their health care providers.

Though eyelid swelling is generally caused by some minor factors, it is important to get the condition medically evaluated, in order to rule out the possibility of an infection.

A major complication associated with eyelid swelling is periorbital cellulitis. If not treated promptly, periorbital cellulitis can lead to orbital cellulitis, which can damage the optic nerves and cause blindness.

In order to avoid such serious complications, this condition should be evaluated as soon as possible. Equally important is to follow the instructions given by your physician or ophthalmologist regarding proper eye care.

Disclaimer: This Story is for informative purposes only, and should not be treated as a substitute for professional medical advice.