Eye puffiness can be caused by over 70 different conditions, including conjunctivitis, allergies, blepharitis, styes, cluster headaches, kidney disease, and lupus. Treatment varies depending on the cause and may include antibiotics, antihistamines, or chemotherapy drugs. Warm compresses and cool compresses can also help relieve symptoms.
There are more than 70 different conditions that cause eye puffiness. The most common causes of eye swelling are conjunctivitis or pink eye, allergies, blepharitis, styes, cluster headaches, kidney disease, and lupus. Treatments depend on the cause of the swelling and may include antihistamines, antibiotics, oxygen therapy, or dialysis. Corticosteroids, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or chemotherapy drugs may also be prescribed.
Viral or bacterial conjunctivitis is a very contagious infection that causes swollen, red, burning and itchy eyes. This condition is common among children. Treatment is usually an antibiotic ointment or drops. To prevent re-infection, cosmetics and contact lenses used before the illness should be replaced.
Many people suffer from indoor and outdoor allergies that cause puffy eyes. When an allergy is triggered, the body releases histamines, which cause itchy eyes. It may be difficult to avoid rubbing them. Rubbing them will make them more red and itchy and may cause swelling to increase. Oral and/or ocular antihistamines can relieve itching. A cool compress often helps reduce itching and swelling in the eyes.
Blepharitis is an infection that causes inflammation of the eyelids. The sensation that a foreign object is in the eye, burning, itching and swelling of the eyes are some of the associated symptoms. Topical antibiotics may be needed. Your eyes may feel better after applying over-the-counter eye drops or after washing your eyes with a sterile saline eye wash.
A stye is an infected gland at the base of the eyelid that can cause eye swelling. Some people may be tempted to squeeze or pop a sty. This should be avoided, however, because it could make the infection worse. Warm compresses applied for 10 minutes six times a day might help clear the sty and relieve some of the symptoms. Sometimes an antibiotic is needed. In severe cases, the sty may need to be drained surgically under general anesthesia.
Cluster headaches can cause eye swelling and pain. Watery eyes, sensitivity to noise, and nasal congestion are also symptoms associated with cluster headaches. Recent research shows that oxygen therapy reduces the intense pain caused by this type of headache. Medications may or may not relieve pain. Cold compresses and decongestants might reduce eye swelling and congestion.
The kidneys are responsible for removing liquid waste from the body. Diabetic nephropathy, glomerulonephritis, and end-stage renal disease are all conditions of the kidneys with eye swelling as part of their symptom constellations. The stage of the kidney disease determines the treatment. Possible treatment options may include medications, dialysis, or a kidney transplant.
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) can cause hair loss, headache, blood in the urine, or eye swelling. This is a chronic condition that waxes and wanes throughout a person’s life. Corticosteroids, such as prednisone, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories, including indomethacin and ibuprofen, can be used to treat SLE. The chemotherapy drugs methotrexate and hydroxychloroquine are also possible treatments for lupus.
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