Eyes puffy and itchy: what should you know?

Allergic conjunctivitis may cause itchy, watery eyes and swollen eyelids, often on both sides. Allergic rhinitis, pet allergy and house dust mite allergy can make the pattern more likely when nasal symptoms or a clear exposure are present. Rubbing, lack of sleep, salty meals, cosmetics and insect bites may also produce temporary lid swelling. A tender, localised lump can reflect an eyelid gland problem, while spreading redness, warmth or fever needs medical attention.

Use a cool clean compress and keep your head slightly raised when resting. Wash hands before touching the face, stop eye makeup, and avoid rubbing. Remove contact lenses while the eyes are swollen or itchy. Wash pillowcases and reduce dust or pet exposure if these are triggers. A pharmacist can advise about allergy medication or eye drops; do not apply creams or drops intended for another person or another body area.

Call emergency services for swelling of the lips, tongue or throat, trouble breathing, faintness or rapidly spreading facial swelling. Seek urgent eye care for severe pain, vision change, injury, a very red eye, fever, or swelling that makes it difficult to open the eye. Arrange a review for a tender lump, recurrent puffiness, one-sided worsening swelling or symptoms that do not settle after trigger avoidance.

Ask whether the swelling fits allergy, irritation or an eyelid infection, and whether you need treatment for the eye surface or nose. Share when it began, whether one or both eyelids are affected, recent foods or products, insect exposure, discharge, pain, fever and any breathing symptoms.