eye disorders
Eyelid Swelling
Evaluation of Eyelid Swelling
The following information can help people decide whether a doctor's evaluation is needed and help them know what to expect during the evaluation. In people with eyelid swelling, certain symptoms and characteristics are cause for concern. They include Fever Sudden Vision Loss None Double Vision None Abnormal bulging of one or both eyes ( Bulging Eyes ) People with warning signs should see a doctor right away. If pain occurs, people usually want to see a doctor within a day or two so that they can start to feel better. Doctors first ask questions about the person's symptoms and medical history. Doctors then do a physical examination. What they find during the history and physical examination often suggests a cause of the eyelid swelling and the tests that may need to be done (see table). Doctors ask How long the swelling has been present Whether swelling affects the upper and/or lower eyelids in one or both eyes Whether any injury (including insect bites) or eye surgery has occurred Whether itching, pain, headache, changes in vision, fever, or eye discharge is present Whether symptoms affecting other areas of the body are also occurring Whether the person has disorders (for example, heart, kidney, or liver disease) or is taking medications (for example, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors) that are known to cause swelling or has changes in tolerance of cold or heat that might indicate a thyroid disorder Whether the person is using any medications in or around the eye Whether there have been any changes in over-the-counter products used on the face or around the eye (for example, new makeup, face creams, or cleansers or new detergent to launder bed linens or towels) During the physical examination, doctors look for signs of disorders that may affect other parts of the body, but the focus is primarily on the eyes. They look for runny nose and other signs of allergies; toothache or headache, which may indicate a dental or sinus infection; fever; and changes in skin near the eye. Any eyelid or eye sore is evaluated by using a What Is a Slit Lamp? (an instrument that enables a doctor to examine the eye under high magnification). Doctors check the location and color of the swelling and whether the eyelid is tender or warm, whether vision is affected, whether eye muscles are functioning normally, and whether any discharge is present. In most cases, doctors can determine the cause of eyelid swelling based on the symptoms and the findings during the physical examination, and no testing is needed. However, if doctors suspect Orbital Cellulitis or 