Eye Swelling

When dealing with eye swelling, a noticeable puffiness or fullness around the eye that can be painful, red, or itchy. Also known as periorbital edema, it’s a symptom rather than a disease, meaning it points to something else going on in the body.

One of the most frequent culprits is allergic conjunctivitis, an inflammation of the eye’s surface caused by pollen, pet dander, or cosmetics. When allergens hit the eye, histamine floods the tissue, leading to that tell‑tale swelling. Another common trigger is a sinus infection, the buildup of mucus and pressure in the sinus cavities that can push fluid into the area around the eye. This link explains why a cold or sinus pressure often shows up as a puffy eye in the morning.

Sometimes the swelling comes from medication side effects, reactions to drugs such as antihistamines, antibiotics, or blood pressure pills that cause fluid retention or an allergic-type response. If a new prescription coincides with sudden eye puffiness, it’s worth checking with your pharmacist or doctor. Finally, orbital cellulitis, a bacterial infection behind the eye that can quickly become dangerous, is the red‑flag scenario. It often follows a sinus infection or facial injury and brings fever, severe pain, and limited eye movement. Ignoring it can lead to vision loss, so prompt medical attention is a must.

What to Look For and How to Respond

Eye swelling can be harmless or a warning sign. If the puffiness is mild, itchy, and linked to known allergens, over‑the‑counter antihistamine drops like Olopatadine usually calm things down. Keep the area clean, use cool compresses, and avoid rubbing. However, if the swelling worsens fast, is accompanied by fever, redness spreading beyond the eyelid, or vision changes, treat it as an emergency. Those symptoms often point to orbital cellulitis or a severe allergic reaction that may need steroids or antibiotics.

Because eye swelling sits at the crossroads of allergies, infections, and drug reactions, a good approach is to list any recent changes: new soaps, seasonal pollen spikes, recent travel, or a new prescription. This checklist helps clinicians pinpoint the cause faster. Below you’ll find articles that break down the most common triggers—like allergic conjunctivitis and sinusitis—compare medication side effects, and explain how to spot a serious infection early. Use these resources to decide whether home care is enough or a doctor’s visit is overdue.