The chief function of the eyelids is to protect the eyes from all kinds of impairments. In a bid to do so, they blink continually, both voluntarily and involuntarily. Every time they blink, the secretions of the tear glands spread evenly over the cornea and eye ball. Moreover, dirt, dust and any other foreign particle that might enter into the eye and cause damage is also swept out because of this recurrent movement.
While we are asleep, the eyelids keep our eyes closed and thereby prevent injury due to excessive water evaporation. The eyelids continue to perform these crucial functions throughout our life. However, at times, due to various disorders these important organs swell up and stop functioning in a proper manner. One such cause of swollen eyelids is blepharitis. In the following paragraphs, we shall deal with the disease in detail.
Symptoms of blepharitis
Blepharitis is considered to be the most common cause of swollen eyelids. In addition to swelling in the eyelids, the other prominent symptoms associated with this eye disorder are as follows:
- Redness
- Irritation
- Burning sensation
- Itching
- Tear production increases
- Discharge of sticky, yellowish-green fluid
- Skin of the eyelids becomes dry and flaky
- Vision typically remains normal
- Development of sty or chalazion
- Causes of blepharitis
Blepharitis, which is the primary cause of swollen eyelids, can be caused by several factors like:
- Bacterial infection
- Surgery
- Eye tumor
- Skin cancer
- Atmospheric pollutants
- Medications
- Pets as cats, dogs, and so forth
- Treatment of blepharitis
The best way to treat this cause of swollen eyelids is to take good care of your eyes. Until the time, the disease is fully cured avoid using any kind of eye cosmetic and contact lenses. Warm moist compresses can provide you a lot of comfort. You can apply the compresses 4-times a day for not more than 15 to 20 minutes.
Two or three times in the day, clean your eyelids with the cotton swab and mild baby shampoo. If you notice discharge on your eyelids, then it is advisable to wash your hands frequently, and also avoid shaking hands and sharing towel. Use of artificial tears can also help to suppress blepharitis, the foremost cause of swollen eyelids.
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