Pain and swelling under the eye are common issues with a wide range of causes. Some are temporary and easy to treat at home, while others may need medical care. Recognizing the cause helps guide the right treatment.
Common Causes of Swelling Under One Eye
Minor Irritation, Rubbing, or Injury
Swelling can result from rubbing your eyes, especially when tired, itchy, or if a small object like dust gets in. Even light trauma—like scratching the skin around the eye with a fingernail or a makeup brush—can trigger swelling. Contact lenses may also irritate the eye, especially if they’re not cleaned properly or worn for too long.
Stye (Hordeolum)
A stye is a painful red bump that forms at the base of the eyelashes due to a bacterial infection. The eye may feel scratchy, water excessively, or become sensitive to light. Most styes resolve on their own, but warm compresses can help speed recovery.
Chalazion (Meibomian Cyst)
Unlike a stye, a chalazion is usually painless. It grows slowly and appears as a firm lump in the middle of the eyelid. It often follows a stye or develops when oil glands get blocked, especially the meibomian gland. These cysts may take a few weeks to go away.
Blocked Tear Duct
When a tear duct becomes blocked, it can cause swelling beneath the eye, watery eyes, blurred vision, crusting, and sometimes pus. The blockage might result from inflammation, infection, or even a tumor, though the latter is rare.
Serious Conditions That Cause Eye Swelling
Ulcerated Cornea
An ulcerated cornea is a serious condition caused by infection. It presents with sharp eye pain, redness, discharge, and a bloodshot appearance. Without treatment, it may lead to vision loss and requires urgent care.
Periorbital Cellulitis
This is a bacterial infection of the eyelid and surrounding skin. It’s more common in children and can develop after trauma or sinus infections. The skin becomes red, swollen, and painful. Treatment includes antibiotics and, in some cases, surgery to remove infected tissue.
Lymphoma
Though rare, lymphoma can form near the eye, appearing as a firm swelling or mass. This condition is typically treated with chemotherapy or radiation therapy and requires a cancer specialist.
Morbihan Disease
Morbihan disease is a rare form of rosacea that leads to long-lasting swelling around the eyes and upper cheeks. The affected skin may become darker or redder over time. Treatment usually involves steroids and sometimes minor surgery.
Graves’ Disease
This autoimmune condition affects the thyroid and often causes swelling around the eyes. Symptoms include bulging eyes, light sensitivity, eye pressure, double vision, and possible vision loss. Around one-third of people with Graves’ disease experience these symptoms.
Mononucleosis
Also known as “mono,” this viral infection can begin with swelling under the eyes. Other symptoms may include redness, pain, and seeing floaters. While mono typically resolves on its own, eye symptoms should still be evaluated.
What Causes Swelling Under Both Eyes?
Lifestyle and Allergies
Puffy eyes in the morning can be caused by fluid retention during sleep, especially in older adults as skin loses elasticity. Smoking, lack of sleep, or eating salty foods can make it worse. Allergies are also a common cause, especially during seasonal changes or after exposure to dust, mold, pet dander, or perfumes.
Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)
Pink eye can be viral or bacterial. It often causes red, swollen eyes, itching, burning, and discharge. Viral conjunctivitis usually affects both eyes, while bacterial infections may start in one and spread. Both forms are contagious and should be treated by a healthcare provider.
Prevent the spread by avoiding shared towels, not wearing contact lenses or eye makeup, and washing your hands regularly.
Underlying Health Conditions
In some cases, swelling under both eyes may be linked to serious health conditions like heart failure, kidney disease, or liver problems. These affect the body's ability to manage fluids and may also cause swelling in the feet and face. If swelling appears along with shortness of breath or fatigue, see a doctor promptly.
How to Treat Mild Eye Swelling at Home
For temporary or mild swelling, home remedies are often effective. Applying a cold compress or cool damp towel to the eye can help reduce swelling. For styes, a warm compress applied several times a day helps drain the infection.
Over-the-counter treatments such as ibuprofen can ease pain and inflammation. Lubricating eye drops can relieve dryness and irritation, while saline eye washes can flush out debris. If allergies are the cause, antihistamine eye drops or oral antihistamines may help.
Lifestyle changes like reducing salt intake, drinking more water, and getting 7–9 hours of sleep can prevent future puffiness. Some find relief from soaked tea bags placed over closed eyes, or gently massaging the area to promote drainage.
When to See a Doctor for Eye Swelling
See a healthcare provider if swelling and pain don’t improve within a day or two, or if you notice any of the following:
- Swelling that prevents you from fully opening the eye
- Pus or discharge
- Fever, sore throat, or rash with eye symptoms
- Trouble breathing or swelling in the throat
- Vision changes like double vision or vision loss
- Bulging eye or intense pressure
- Swelling with ankle or foot edema
These symptoms may indicate a serious condition that needs urgent treatment.
Visit Premier Medical for Eye Pain and Swelling
If your eye is swollen or painful and home remedies haven’t helped, don’t wait. The best way to protect your vision is by addressing symptoms early. Just walk in to any Premier Medical location. We’re here to help you find answers and feel better fast.
Whether it’s a minor issue or something that needs treatment, our experienced team is ready to help you see clearly and comfortably again.
