Eyelid inflammation can be caused by allergies, bacteria, medications, improper hygiene, ingrown eyelashes, and medical conditions. Airborne allergens, chemicals, and indoor allergies can also cause inflammation. Bacterial infections can result from poor eye hygiene, and medical conditions such as blepharitis, corneal ulcers, and tumors can also cause swollen eyelids.
Eyelid inflammation can have multiple causes. Allergies and environmental conditions, bacteria and medications can all be responsible for swelling, redness, itching or discharge in the eyelids. Improper eye hygiene can also open the door to bacterial infections and lead to eyelid irritation. In some cases, an ingrown eyelash can be the cause of eyelid inflammation. Some skin and medical conditions can also cause swollen eyelids.
Airborne allergens can cause so-called allergenic conjunctivitis, resulting in inflammation of the eyelids. Pollen, dust particles, and other tiny elements in the air can get into your eyes or be ingested, causing an allergic reaction and eye inflammation. Unlike natural substances found in the air, contact dermatitis resulting from chemicals used on or near the eye can also cause eyelid inflammation. These could include makeup, facial cleansers, perfumes, hair products and deodorant sprays. Indoor allergies, such as a reaction to dogs or cats, can also cause inflamed eyelids.
A variety of medications could also be the cause of eyelid inflammation. Red, swollen, itchy, or watery eyes can be a side effect of some prescription or over-the-counter substances. Individuals experiencing eye inflammation should always inform their doctors about any type of medication, supplement, or alternative treatment they are currently taking, as some drug interactions can also cause eyelid inflammation.
Eyelid inflammation can also result from an ingrown eyelash. While irritation generally only occurs in the area where eyelashes specifically grow, severe inflammation can occur if ingrown eyelashes continue to progress without treatment. Ingrown eyelashes typically cause blurred vision, discomfort, dry eyes, and inflammation.
Bacterial infections are a common culprit of eye inflammation that most often results from poor eye hygiene. Some may experience swollen eyelids and irritation from using old makeup that has collected bacteria. Eye inflammation could also result from not removing makeup or adopting poor hygiene habits. Bacteria can also be the cause of swollen eyelids in cases where hormonal changes or high levels of stress cause excessive oil production from the eye glands. This oil is referred to as seborrhea.
A number of medical conditions can also be the cause of swollen eyelids. These conditions include blepharitis, corneal ulcers or abrasions, episcleritis, glaucoma, astigmatism, and tumors. Many other eye conditions can also cause redness, itching, and inflammation of the eyes. If a direct cause of eye inflammation is not apparent, an ophthalmologist should check for signs of these conditions.
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