Swollen Eye

Tips and Tricks to Heal A Swollen Eye

A swollen eye is one of the most irritating conditions to have. Finding a remedy can be an extremely daunting task for anyone. A swollen eye can be caused by a number of problems. The first thing to do is to narrow down the cause of your swelling. To do that, you will have to flush your eye a few times, in a very specific way:

Cleanse your eye under the sink with cool water, try to flush out any foreign object that could be there.
Use one quick swipe across the eye one way with a towel to dry the eye, while your eye is closed.
Rinse your eyes again; open and close your eyes quickly a few times and then pat dry.
You might have to repeat this process.

This is to ensure there is no foreign object in the eye, as this can scratch the eye lens if it is rubbed too hard or when it's moved the wrong way. If your eye is still swollen, there are a number of home remedies that you can try before you pay a visit to the doctor.

1. Apply a cold compress to your eye for about an hour. You can use ice in a hand towel, a steak or a cold, slightly wet towel. You can apply a warm towel for pain.

2. Drink plenty of water and try to keep your eyes closed, blinking regularly.

3. You can try, the once often used, cucumber slices over your eyes. They have been known to bring down the swelling.

4. Moisten a tea bag with cold water, chill them in the refrigerator for a few minutes and place them over your swollen eye.

5. Try your local drug stores for creams that help reduce the swelling or Aloe Vera, which has been known to reduce swelling as well.

Either of the above ways should help to reduce the swelling of the eye. If none of those work, there could be a more serious reason for your swollen eye. If that is the case, you should contact your doctor.

With swelling and irritation for more than seven days, the following may be the culprit:

Viral Conjunctivitis, also known as Pink Eye – The inflammation of the conjunctiva (the thin, clear tissue that lies on the other side of the eyelid).
Allergic reaction – This could be from dust to pollen in the air. An allergic reaction can easily make your eye swollen.
Ectropion – Where the lower eyelid turns outward.
Sebaceous Cyst - Round cysts or small bumps that are easy to move with fingers grow on the eyelid.
Infected eye lash follicle – a sore, red lump near the eyelid’s edge caused by an infection of the eyelash follicle.
Corneal Abrasion – The loss of the surface epithelial layer of the eye's cornea.
Corneal Ulcer – An inflamed infection of the cornea.
Periorbital cellulitis – An inflammation and infection of the eyelid and portions of skin around the eye.
Periorbital Hematoma - A black eye.
Stye – An infection of the sebaceous glands of zeis at the base of the eyelashes, or an infection within the aprocrine sweat glands of Moll.
Chalazion - A cyst in the eyelid that is caused by blocked meibomian gland, which causes the inflammation.

Any of these eye conditions are highly unlikely if you have a swollen eye, but are still a possibility. If the home remedies we offered above have not helped you, please contact your doctor right away.