Eyelids are important parts of our eyes. The vital function is protecting the eyes from injuries and external debris which may get in to the eye surface, causing abrasions. Eyelids have eye lashes to maximize its function, and on the edge of these eye lashes we find oil glands. When these glands are clogged by debris and other tiny materials, it may be infected, causing the eyelids to swollen. Swollen eyelids are caused by variety of causes, but can be treated using home remedies, as long as it is not severely infected.

Swollen eyelids home remedies

Based on the causes of swollen eyelids, there are various home remedies which can be beneficial in promoting proper healing.

• Allergy-induced swollen eyelids

Swollen eyelids can be caused by your immune overreaction to a foreign substances, such as dust, pet dander, pollens, cosmetics, and some other certain solutions. Allergies trigger swollen eyelids which is accompanied by watery eyes, itching, and irritated eyelids.

Home remedies for allergy-induced swollen eyelids include:

• Washing the affected eyelids with gentle antibacterial soap to get rid of debris and allergens. It is important to get rid of the source of allergies immediately to prevent re-infestation.
• Cold compress will relieve the itching and tingling sensation around the swollen eyelids. Do this for several minutes and repeat until the discomfort subsides.

• Conjunctivitis swollen eyelids

Conjunctivitis or pink eye is caused by bacterial infection to the surface of the eyes. This infection trigger not only swollen and itchy eyelids, but also excessive drainage which may cause throbbing sensation to the eyes. This infection is contagious and needs to be treated immediately.

Home remedies for swollen eyes caused by conjunctivitis include:

• Rinsing the affected eyes with saline solution as a natural anti-bacterial to combat infesting bacteria. Do this every time the drainage is excessive and cause greasy sensation to the eyes.
• Warm compress to the eyelids. This will boost blood supply to the affected area and thus, unclog the glands to get the puffy eyelids down faster.
• Antibiotic eye drops which can be bought at the drugstores may give relieves to the throbbing eyes and swollen eyelids. Be sure to read the directions and avoid excessive application to prevent unexpected side effects of the eye drops.

• Swollen eyelids caused by blocked tear ducts

Swollen eyelids might also happen to infants or newborns, who are born with tear ducts which are not fully-developed. However, this problem will usually improve within the first year of baby’s life without any specific medical treatments.

Home remedies used for swollen eyelids caused by blocked tear ducts are:

• Circular massages, which is done to the area around the eye. This will stimulate proper draining, which prevents blocked tears.
• Warm compress. This is beneficial is promoting proper blood supply and circulation around the tear ducts. Warm compresses which is applied several times a day will be helpful for blocked tear duct in infants as well as adults.
• With infants, breast milk is known as an effective remedy for clogged tear duct. Dabbing a small amount of breast milk onto the affected eyelids and corner will be useful in relieving pain and promote drainage.

• Stye-induced swollen eyelids

Stye is caused by bacterial infection and looks like an abscess, which occurs on the eyelids. This does not only cause pain and sometimes, wounded eyelids, but also trigger swelling. Hence, it is important to get rid of the problem immediately using some of these home remedies for stye development:

• Tea-tree oil, which is diluted in water. Apply a thin dab of the solution onto the affected eyelid. Tea-tree contains anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory agent, which is useful in combating the infesting bacteria and thus, eliminating the stye.
• Warm compress. This is a home remedy for the swelling of the eye triggered by stye development. Put on the compress several times until the puffiness goes down.
• Maintaining the hygiene. Staphylococcus bacteria which causes styes are basically existed on our skin. Maintaining hygiene during the healing process will not only improve the eye condition, but also inhibit further bacterial infection which may cause further problem with eye stye and inflammation.