According to definitionexplorer.com, Eyelid edema, also known as eyelid eczema, is swelling of one or both eyelids, which can have very different causes. In principle, eyelid edema can occur suddenly and acutely at any age, but chronic courses are also reported.
What is eyelid edema?
That is why there are patients who have already consulted several doctors in order to permanently cure their eyelid edema.
Eyelid edema is defined as an allergic reaction to various environmental factors. Because it directly affects the eye, eyelid edema is usually treated by ophthalmologists, but later also by allergists or naturopaths.
Eyelid edema is a disease of one of the most sensitive areas of the body. The suffering of patients, who may have been affected for years, is correspondingly high in the case of chronic courses.
Causes
As with all allergological diseases and symptoms, sensitization with a so-called allergen must have taken place in eyelid edema before the onset of the symptoms.
The immune system then forms specific antibodies against the allergy-triggering substance and with a corresponding disposition and renewed exposure to the allergen, the disease symptom of eyelid edema then occurs.
Allergens that are primarily responsible for the development of eyelid edema are cosmetics such as make-up or hair dyes. However, it is by no means only substances that are used directly on the eye area that are possible triggers, because studies show that a person involuntarily touches their eyes with their hands more than a hundred times a day.
A large number of so-called contact allergens from the environment can therefore also contribute to the development of eyelid edema.
Symptoms, Ailments & Signs
Individual symptoms, complaints or signs of eyelid edema are usually quite clear, so that this appearance can be diagnosed very well. Probably the most certain symptom or sign of eyelid edema is swollen eyes. This leads to severe swelling of the eye, which in some cases can only affect the lid of the eye.
If eyelid edema is caused by an allergic reaction, it will not only result in swelling of the eyelid. In certain cases, there is also a strong redness of the eyes, as well as a long-lasting itching. The result is skin irritation, which can also lead to reddening of the skin. If a visit to the dermatologist is avoided in this context, the course of the disease can be significantly more difficult.
The flow of tears is also significantly increased in eyelid edema. In this connection, there is also a burning sensation in the eyes. If left untreated, the swelling may take about a week to go down. The severity of the swelling is also significantly increased if medical and drug treatment is dispensed with. The following therefore applies: Lid edema is usually noticeable through swelling of the eyelid. Other signs depend on the cause, such as an allergic reaction.
Diagnosis & History
The skin on the face in general and the skin on the eyelid in particular is very sensitive. Various detergents, therapeutics, personal care products and cleaning products can be considered as the cause of eyelid edema, especially if they are overused and used excessively.
Patients who suffer from what is known as neurodermatitis are also more than averagely affected by eyelid edema, so there seems to be a direct connection here. It is assumed that neurodermatitis sufferers are particularly predestined for the development of eyelid edema due to their generally particularly dry skin.
Because dry skin around the eye area causes additional itching and so the number of involuntary touches of the eye area with the hands in people with neurodermatitis is many times higher. If there is also a contact allergy, the condition of the eyelid eczema can deteriorate dramatically, so that an inpatient stay may even be necessary.
As a rule, however, eyelid edema is treated with a wide variety of outpatient measures. A specialist should always be consulted in the case of eyelid oedema, unfortunately the spread of the inflammation to the eyeball over time cannot be ruled out.
Complications
In most cases, eyelid edema does not lead to any particular complications and does not lead to a serious course. Those affected primarily suffer from swollen eyes. This can also lead to visual problems, so that the field of vision of those affected is significantly restricted due to the eyelid edema. Eyelid edema can lead to restricted development, especially in children.
It is not uncommon for patients to suffer from sudden visual problems, depression or anxiety. Furthermore, there is also dry skin and itching that spreads to the skin. In the case of allergies in particular, there can be considerable limitations in everyday life and a reduction in the quality of life. In the worst case, the inflammation can also spread to the eyeball, so that those affected can go completely blind.
The treatment of this disease is usually aimed at the root cause. In this way, the complaints can be limited relatively well. In any case, the person concerned must avoid contact with the triggering substance. Furthermore, medication can also be used in acute emergencies. The life expectancy of those affected is usually not reduced by eyelid edema.
When should you go to the doctor?
If the eyelids or one of the eyelids swells, a doctor should be consulted. If you experience impaired vision, sensitivity to light or reduced vision, it is advisable to consult a doctor. In the event of changes to the skin, reddening of the eyelids, itching in the eyes or a feeling of pressure, we recommend that you consult a doctor. If the symptoms persist for several days or if they continue to spread, a doctor’s visit is necessary to determine the cause. If there are problems in dealing with the necessary visual aids, the observations should be discussed with a doctor.
A medical examination is advisable in the event of psychological problems, general malaise or a feeling of heaviness on the eyelid. If ulcers develop on the eyelid, there will be pain or discomfort from themeyelashes, the symptoms should be professionally evaluated and treated by a doctor. Numbness and sensory disturbances in the eye should be evaluated by a doctor.
Changes or disturbances in the usual flow of tears are warning signs of the organism for existing discrepancies. A doctor’s visit is necessary as soon as the eye feels very dry or the flow of tears cannot be stopped. A burning sensation in the eyes also indicates a disease that is presentmedicalmust be taken care of.
Treatment & Therapy
The treatment of eyelid edema is always strictly based on the underlying causes, which are not always easy to find out, even for experienced therapists. If the triggering factor for eyelid edema is known, the therapy consists primarily of avoiding this allergy-causing substance in the future. Various blood and skin tests can provide information about an allergy-triggering substance as the cause of eyelid edema.
Many patients report that the swelling of the eyelid is at its worst in the morning after waking up. Cooled compresses in the form of pads soaked in black tea or so-called cold packs, but also the application of cucumber slices, have proven to be a quick and effective remedy. All therapeutic measures are aimed at cooling the eyelid swelling. For oral therapy, the doctor will also prescribe various antiallergic drugs, so-called antihistamines.
Which dosage must be selected here always depends on the severity of the symptoms. Eyelid edema that has existed for many years can also be treated surgically, but of course the cause cannot be eliminated with such a cosmetic operation.
Outlook & Forecast
Eyelid edema is often an allergic reaction. This is basically not curable. Nevertheless, freedom from symptoms can be achieved if the triggering stimuli are completely avoided. Changes in personal hygiene and the use of cosmetic products can be changed so that the symptoms are alleviated and no new formation occurs in the long term. Normally, eyelid edema does not trigger any further complications or secondary diseases.
If the treatment is successful and the disease triggers are avoided over the course of life, no long-term impairments or disorders can be expected under optimal conditions. The probability of getting inflammation in the area of the eyeball is still increased. This is especially true for patients whose immune system is weakened and who show an increased susceptibility to inflammatory diseases. In rare cases, emotional states of stress can be documented due to the visual abnormalities. This increases the risk of developing a mental disorder.
If the disease becomes chronic, cosmetic surgery should be considered. During the surgical procedure, the unwanted tissue changes are removed, so that after the wound healing process, freedom from symptoms is also achieved. If complications occur, the patient can suffer from unwanted scarring or develop sepsis. The latter represents a potential threat to human life.
Prevention
To prevent eyelid edema, experts recommend avoiding cigarette smoke and alcohol, especially in the evening hours. Especially in the case of eyelid swelling that is not of an allergic nature, it is advisable to use special make-up techniques with rather dark colors to cover it up.
Aftercare
Eyelid edema can lead to various complications, with the further course usually depending very much on the exact cause and the time of diagnosis. These factors also determine the nature and urgency of follow-up care. The disease primarily leads to severely swollen eyes. This can sometimes be alleviated with the help of eye drops or ointments, but it is advisable to discuss this with the doctor treating you in advance.
Self-healing cannot occur, so that the person concerned is always dependent on treatment by a doctor. In many cases, eyelid edema is triggered by an allergy, so the affected person should avoid the triggering substance. However, the eyelid edema can usually be treated relatively well, so that this disease does not lead to a reduced life expectancy for the patient.
You can do that yourself
The measures that patients can take themselves in the event of eyelid edema always depend on the underlying causes. Basically, you should try to avoid the substance that triggered the allergy in the future. An allergy test provides information about the triggering substance. After the diagnosis, the patient should have an allergy ID card issued so that first responders can react quickly if anaphylactic shock should occur.
The eyelid edema itself can be treated with the help of classic home remedies. Cooling, for example in the form of chilled compresses or pads with black tea, has proven itself. In addition to the antihistamines prescribed by the doctor, globules from homeopathy are also available for oral therapy. The use of alternative remedies should be discussed with a doctor beforehand.
In the case of chronic eyelid edema, surgery is usually required. Rest and rest are indicated after the operation. The affected eyelid should not be exposed to any major stress such as cold or wind in the first few days after the operation. Cooling and painkillers from nature also help with aftercare and can support the medical follow-up treatment.
