Swollen Eyes: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, Home Remedies, and Prevention

Introduction

Have you ever woken up with swollen under eyes in the morning as if you hadn’t slept well or had been crying? Swollen eyes are a common problem faced by many people that can happen at any time. The swelling can range from mild puffiness to more pronounced swelling that causes discomfort or affects your vision. 

Reasons for swollen eyes can include allergies, infections, and underlying health conditions. Along with swelling, you may also experience redness, puffiness or watering of the eyes¹. While swollen eyes may be temporary and harmless in some cases, persistent or severe swelling may require medical attention. 

In this article, we will explore swollen eye symptoms, causes, home care tips, and management options to help you manage swollen eyes. 

What Is a Swollen Eye?

If your eyes become red and sore and the skin around your eyes looks bruised and swollen, you may have swollen eyes. Different parts of your eyes, such as the eyelids, tear ducts, or skin around the eyes can contribute to swollen eyes¹. Inflammation of any of these parts due to infections, fluid buildup, or irritation due to allergies may lead to visible puffiness. 

• Infections: When you get an infection, your eyes may become inflamed, resulting in swelling¹. 
• Allergies: When your eyes are exposed to allergens like pollen, your body releases a substance called histamine, which may cause swollen eyes². 
• Fluid Build-up: When you cry, do not get proper sleep, or have an allergic reaction, fluid accumulates around your eyes, which makes your eyes look puffy³. 

Symptoms Associated With Swollen Eyes

Symptoms that may occur along with swollen eyes include: 

• Redness: It can be caused by anything from a simple allergy to a severe eye injury¹.  
• Puffiness: It may result from crying, consuming too much salt, lack of sleep, swollen eyes due to allergies³, rubbing of eyes, or ageing⁴. 
• Pain: It can result from injuries or infections¹. 
• Discharge or Tearing: It can result from infections¹ or allergies³. 
• Blurred Vision: It can be caused by inflammation, allergies or infections⁵. 
• Double Vision (diplopia): It can be caused by conditions like Graves’ disease (an autoimmune condition)⁶ or due to infections. 

Common Types of Eye Swelling

Have you ever thought, “Why is my eye swollen?” Eye swelling may be caused by several conditions. Here are some common causes of eye swelling based on the eye part affected: 

• Periorbital Oedema: It is the swelling of the soft tissues around the eyes³, the cause of which may include: 
  • Orbital cellulitis: This is infection (mostly bacterial) of the tissues of the eye socket, which may lead to swelling around the eyes, e.g., swelling of both upper and lower eyelids and eyebrows⁷. 
• Conjunctival Swelling: It is the swelling of the conjunctiva, the thin, delicate, transparent tissue that covers the inner surface of the eyelids and the eye’s white part. Its causes may include: 
  • Infectious conjunctivitis: This may be due to a bacterial or viral infection. 
  • Allergic conjunctivitis: This may be caused by an allergic reaction to allergens or irritants⁸. 
• Eyelid Swelling: It is the swelling of the upper or lower eyelids caused by inflammation or fluid buildup. Its causes include: 
  • Stye: A stye is a painful lump occurring outside or inside of the eye, caused by swelling of the eyelash follicle due to a bacterial infection⁹. In some cases, it may cause the corner of eye to swell. 
  • Chalazion: Swelling of the eyelids causing a small bump on them due to the blockage of oil glands. Often develops after a stye¹⁰. 
  • Blepharitis: Swelling of eyelids (mostly in the eyelash area) usually caused by bacterial overgrowth. May be accompanied by inflammation, irritation, and itchiness¹¹. 
  • Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction: Swelling and redness in the inner corner of the eye accompanied by a noticeable bulge just below that area, which is usually caused by blockage and infection in the tear duct¹². 

Causes of Swollen Eye

Swollen eyes can occur due to many reasons, such as: 

• Allergies: Swollen eyes due to allergies occur when the body reacts to allergens like pollen, dust, mould or dead animal cells. It can also result from an insect sting or bite reaction. It is usually accompanied by itching and redness of the eye. 
• Infections: Eye swelling can be caused by bacterial or viral infections causing pain, redness and discharge. 
• Injuries: The eyes can become swollen due to injuries, such as from a sport or while working with materials that are used to cut or drill wood or metal. It can also cause pain, redness and changes in vision¹. 
• Underlying conditions: Eye swelling can also occur due to underlying conditions, such as Graves’ disease⁶, kidney disease¹³, and skin conditions like eczema. 
• Lack of Sleep: Lack of sleep may lead to swelling under the eyes and also cause drooping eyelids, redness of the eyes, and dark circles³. 
• Eye Irritation: Eye swelling may occur when the eye gets irritated by rubbing. 
• Crying: Swollen eyes after crying is quite common. It is caused by fluid collecting around the eyes for a short period after crying, which goes off on its own after a while³. 

Home Remedies for Swollen Eyes

Following are some home remedies for swollen eyes. 

1. Wash Your Eyes

• Use clean water, saline or any sterile eyewash liquid¹. This might soothe the inflammation and reduce puffiness. 

2. Apply a Warm Compress

• Soak a clean cloth in warm water and gently press it over your eyelids for a few minutes¹. This might help reduce the swelling caused by a stye or chalazion. 

3. Apply a Cold Compress

• Soak a clean cloth in cold water and gently place it over the eye. This might help reduce puffiness of eyes, as cold temperature is known to help reduce swelling¹⁴. 

4. Reduce Salt Intake

• Reduce the intake of foods high in sodium, such as processed and packaged foods, to manage water retention that causes eye swelling, especially under the eyes³. 

5. Get Proper Sleep

• Sleep for at least 7-9 hours. This might help reduce under-eye swelling, redness, and dark circles³. 

6. Apply Coconut Oil

• Coconut oil is known to have antimicrobial effects and protect from irritants and allergens and might help in reducing swelling caused by allergens or due to irritation¹⁴. 

7. Apply Cucumber Slices

• Cucumber slices are believed to have anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce puffiness of the eyes. 

8. Apply Green Tea Bags

• Green tea bags might help reduce redness and inflammation along with swelling under the eyes due to their antioxidant properties. 

9. Apply Rose Water

• Rose water is believed to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties¹⁵ that might help you in reducing the puffiness under your eyes. 

You may now understand how to cure swollen eyes or manage them; however, these methods may provide only temporary benefits. If you think your condition is getting worse even after following these home care tips, please contact an ophthalmologist immediately. 

Other Ways to Treat a Swollen Eye

Although home care tips may help reduce eye swelling and discomfort, eye swelling does not always not resolve with self-care. In such cases, evaluation by a doctor is important to understand the cause of the swelling. Let’s see the options your doctor may suggest on how to treat a swollen eye. 

• Antihistamines: Antihistamines may be helpful in managing or reducing swollen eyes caused by allergies. They are also available as drops. 
• Antibiotics: Antibiotics may be helpful in reducing swelling and its symptoms caused by an infection. They are available as drops and ointment. For viral infections, doctors may prescribe antivirals¹. 
• Steroids: Steroid treatments in the form of drops may usually be used for swelling and inflammation caused by conditions like conjunctivitis⁸ or allergies. 
• Surgery: Surgery might be needed for conditions such as chalazion if they don’t resolve after using steroids¹⁰. 
• Sprays: Certain types of medicinal sprays with ingredients like hypochlorous acid help in conditions like blepharitis. These sprays may be recommended in cases where eyelid inflammation is linked to mite overgrowth¹¹. 
• Managing Underlying Conditions: Managing underlying conditions might help reduce the swelling associated with them. E.g., managing thyroid for Graves’ disease⁶, following the recommended fluid limit for kidney patients¹³, staying hydrated and applying anti-inflammatory creams for skin irritations like eczema¹⁶ may help reduce swollen eyes. 

Note: Use the medicines only under the guidance of an ophthalmologist or an expert. 

Tips to Avoid Eye Swelling

The following are some tips which you may follow to avoid swollen face and eyes. 

• Avoid contact with known allergens, such as pollens and dust. 
• Avoid touching your face and eyes with dirty hands to avoid infections. 
• Wear protective glasses when working¹. 
• Get enough sleep. 
• Limit salt intake to reduce water retention³ 

When to See a Doctor?

Swollen eyes can be the sign of a serious infection. If you think your condition is getting worse, consult a doctor instead of thinking why is my eye swollen even with home care and medical approaches? If you have the following signs you shouldn’t ignore the symptoms. 

• If you have severe eye pain and headache 
• If you get nausea¹ 
• If you think the infection is getting worse 
• If you have difficulty in vision 
• If your entire eye is getting red 
• If you are being very sensitive to light⁹ 
• If the lump on your eyes gets bigger even after taking medicines 
• If you are losing your eyelashes¹⁰ 
• If you get a fever along with other symptoms⁷ 
• If your condition does not improve even after using home care tips and other prescribed medications 

Also Read: Sunken Eyes: Causes, Symptoms, Home Remedies & More 

Conclusion

Swollen eyes are a common condition that can range from mild, temporary puffiness to more serious swelling caused by allergies, infections, or underlying health issues. In many cases, simple home care tips and proper eye care may help reduce discomfort. However, persistent swelling, severe pain, vision changes, or signs of infection should never be ignored. Identifying the cause early and seeking appropriate medical care when needed can help avoid complications and ensure faster recovery. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

References

1. Swollen Eye. 2025. Doi: https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/swollen-eye 

2. Allergic Conjuctivitis. 2024. Doi: https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001031.htm 

3. Arakelyan. HS. Periorbital Edema. 2019. Doi: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/332670247_Periorbital_Edema 

4. Boyd K. How to Get Rid of Bags Under the Eyes. 2025. Doi: https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/bags-under-eyes 

5. Corneal Conditions. 2025. Doi: https://www.nei.nih.gov/eye-health-information/eye-conditions-and-diseases/corneal-conditions 

6. Grave’s Eye Disease. 2024. Doi: https://www.nei.nih.gov/eye-health-information/eye-conditions-and-diseases/graves-eye-disease 

7. Orbital Cellulitis. 2024. Doi: https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001012.htm 

8. Conjuctivitis: Pink Eyes. doi: https://www.aoa.org/healthy-eyes/eye-and-vision-conditions/conjunctivitis 

9. Stye. 2024. Doi: https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/stye 

10. Chalazion. 2024. Doi: https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001006.htm 

11. Blepharitis. 2024. Doi: https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001619.htm 

12. Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction. 2023. Doi: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK532873/ 

13. 5 Signs Your Kidneys or Heart Could be in Trouble. 2017. Doi: https://www.kidney.org/news-stories/5-signs-your-kidneys-or-heart-could-be-trouble 

14. Lin TK, Zhong L, Santiago J. Anti-Inflammatory and Skin Barrier Repair Effects of Topical Application of Some Plant Oils. IJMS. 2017;19(1):70. doi:10.3390/ijms19010070.  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29280987/ 

15. Joshi M, Perera PS, Korrapati NH. Effective Home Remedies that Provide Quick Relief for Puffy Eyes. Published online 2021. Doi: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/354871368_Effective_Home_Remedies_that_Provide_Quick_Relief_for_Puffy_Eyes 

16. Nemeth V, Syed HA, Evans J. Ezcema. 2024. Doi: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538209/ 

17. Serhan HA, Alma’aitah HW, Irshaidat S, Ameer MA, Asghar MS, Tahir MJ. Ophthalmic manifestations of nutritional deficiencies: A mini review. Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care. 2022;11(10):5899-5901. doi:10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_790_22. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36618247/ 

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