Swollen eyelid: what to do?

Waking up with a swollen eyelid is a very frequent reason for consultation — and most often benign. Still, ordinary causes must be distinguished from those requiring prompt attention.

The most frequent causes

A localised, barely painful lump appearing over a few days suggests a chalazion; a painful swelling at the lid margin, centred on a lash, suggests a stye. Swelling of both eyelids with itching points to an allergy; irritated lids stuck together in the morning to blepharitis. Finally, a painful swelling between the eye and the nose may correspond to dacryocystitis.

Signs that call for prompt consultation

A red, hot, very painful eyelid with fever, swelling that closes the eye, reduced vision, pain on eye movements or spreading swelling: these signs may suggest orbital cellulitis, an emergency. Likewise, a lump that keeps recurring in the same spot warrants examination — see our eyelid tumours page.

If in doubt, a consultation allows the diagnosis to be made within a few minutes of examination.

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