The main functions of the upper eyelid are to keep the eye surface moist and protect it from any kind of damage. While we are awake, the eyelid blinks recurrently due to reflex action, and whenever it blinks, it sweeps the secretions from the tear glands over the surface of the eye.
In this manner, the upper eyelid helps to keep the eyeball and cornea moist. Additionally, dust and other foreign particles are also brushed off during the blinking process. When we are asleep, the eyelid covers the eye, and thereby prevents damage because of excessive evaporation. Throughout our lifetime, the eyelid continues to function in this way. However, at times, different disorders cause the upper eyelid to swell up and stop functioning properly.
Let’s take a look at some important causes of swollen upper eyelid:
Blepharitis - It is the primary cause of swollen upper eyelid. There are a variety of reasons for blepharitis like allergy, tumor, medications and environmental conditions. Apart from inflammation in the upper eyelid, itching, irritation, redness and burning sensation is also experienced.
Chalazion - The oily secretions from Meibomian glands keep the upper eyelid lubricated. However, sometimes, due to obstruction, the oil is unable to exit from the tiny openings of the glands. The oil begins to accumulate and form a lump called chalazion. The formation of chalalzion leads to swollen upper eyelid.
Hordeolum - Also called sty, hordeolum is a very common cause of swollen upper eyelid. Like chalazion, sty is a lump that is formed because of accumulation of oil inside the Meibomian gland. While chalazion simply causes inflammation of the upper eyelid, sty is painful too because of acute infection of the lump.
Eyelid edema - In this case, the upper eyelid swells up as the result of buildup of fluid. It is usually the result of an allergic reaction. The cause of allergy may range from food, drugs, pollens and pollutants to chemicals, cosmetics and animals. As the name suggests, the main symptom of this eye disease is swollen upper eyelid. Some other symptoms are redness and pain in the eye.
Orbital Cellulitis - It is a serious eye disease, which is caused by bacteria Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pneumonia. Often, eyelid injury, bug bite or sty can also cause orbital cellulitis. Apart from swollen upper eyelid, other symptoms of the disease are fever, severe eye pain and decreased vision.
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