Swelling under one eye is a very common sign, observed by all at least once in their lifetime. Swelling under one eye can be easily noticed, denoting some kind of issue around the eye. The eyes are the most sensitive organ; any damage to these can cause serious effects and may damage your vision completely.
Under-eye swelling is also regarded as ‘under-eye bags’ or ‘puffy eyes’. The tissues surrounding the eyes are called Orbit, and they get swollen due to infection or other causes. Since the skin around the eye is very thin, the swelling is easily visible, leading to swelling under the eye. Swollen under the eye are often observed to disappear over time when adequate rest, proper treatment, and remedies are given.
Causes of Swelling under One eye
Sometimes, swollen under-eyes may be associated with fever, pain, itchiness, or distorted vision. Such conditions could be a sign of a serious eye problem. More than 100 causes can contribute to puffy eyes, some of which might be rare. To treat a condition, the cause must be identified first. Immediate medical consultation is a must when the matter is with your delicate eyes.
The prime cause of puffy eyes is the natural reactions of the tissues to either or more of the following:
- Allergic reactions
- Exposure to irritants from the surrounding
- Viral infection
- Trauma or surgery
- Fluid retention (hormonal changes during menstruation, pregnancy, etc.)
Other causes of puffy eyes include:
- Severe infection of the eye (Periorbital Cellulitis); associated with tenderness or pain in the muscle; usually occurs from a cut in the skin surrounding the eye, through which the infection has spread.
- Hypothyroidism insufficient thyroid production; the face along with the under eye muscles swells.
- Skin Disorders When eczema, Psoriasis, etc., affect the face close to the eyes, the under-eye muscles are affected and swollen.
- Sleep Patterns Too little or oversleeping may strain the eyes, making them puffed.
- Crying During crying, the blood flow increases through the eyes, and the salt in the tears also leads to fluid retention in the eye area.
- Substance Abuse Excessive smoking, consumption of alcohol or drugs, or smoking can make the eyes bloodshot and swollen.
- Diet Highly salty foods can cause fluid retention in the muscles under the eye, making them swollen up.
- Injury A sudden blow or shock to the eye to the muscles around it can make it swollen; Injury close to the eyes or around the eyelids can also cause the eyes to swell.
- Blepharitis inflammation within the eyelids due to dandruff, infections, dryness in the eye; swelling would be associated with burning or itchiness, feeling of a foreign substance in the eye.
- Conjuctivitis does a bacterial or viral infection cause a contagious infection of the eye; eyes get swollen along with burning or itchiness and redness of the eyes.
- Styes inflamed sebaceous glands located near the eyelid base.
Other less known causes of swelling under one eye include
| Acitrecin | Ackerman syndrome | Acute Sinusitis |
| African milk bush poisoning | Anaphylaxis | Anthurium poisoning |
| Athyrotic hypothyroidism sequence | Atrophy | Aureobasidium exposure |
| C1esterase deficiency | Chalazion | Chemical poisoning (Pepper Spray, phosphine) |
| Chronic Myeloproliferative Disorders | Closed-angle glaucoma | Corneal abrasion |
| Corneal flash burns | Corneal flash burns | Crown of Thorns poisoning |
| Dacryocystitis | Ectropion | Fetal PCB syndrome |
| Glomerular Disease | Granulomatous hypophysitis | Graves Disease |
| Sting and Bites | Hay Fever | Idiopathic minimal change nephritic syndrome |
| Lassa fever | Lens disorder | Lepidopterism |
| Lupus | Lupus nephritis | Malignant Teratocarcinosarcoma |
| Mononucleosis | Munk Disease | Occupational cancer |
| Ocular vaccinia | Opthalmitis | Papilloedema |
| Paranasal sinus cancer | Periorbital cellulitis | Retina conditions |
| Retina tear | Rhabdomyosarcoma | SUNCT headache |
| Sebaceous cyst | Staphylococcal infection | Striped Blister Beetle poisoning |
| Tolosa Hunt Syndrome | Trichinosis | Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada Syndrome |
| West African Trypanosomiasis |
Treatment of Swelling Under One Eye
- Certain over-the-counter medicines may be taken to alleviate the swelling, but medical advice is mandatory.
- Allergies causing swelling under the eye must be treated with oral antihistamines and decongestants or eye drops with these ingredients.
- Antibiotics will be needed if bacterial causes are involved.
- Some home-based therapies may be given like –
- Apply a warm washcloth over the eye for some time.
- Keep an ice pack over the eye briefly.
- Keep your head elevated to reduce the blood flow to the area. Avoid lying down.
- Splash cold water on the face and eyes to remove any irritant or particle present inside the eye.
- Do not rub your eyes as it worsens your condition.
Preventing Swelling Under one Eye
- Never rub your eyes vigorously. It needs to be handled very softly.
- Keep your eyes safe when outside; use sunglasses to protect from harmful sun rays; face masks may be used to prevent dust and harmful air dirt from entering the eye.
