My eyes are swollen and itchy

Allergic conjunctivitis commonly presents with itchy, puffy, watery eyelids, often on both sides. Allergic rhinitis may add sneezing or a blocked nose; house dust mites and pets can be relevant exposures. Cosmetics, creams, hair products, insect bites, and rubbing can irritate the eyelid skin. A painful local lump, fever, warmth, or swelling around one eye suggests another problem. The pattern and speed of onset help a clinician judge the cause.

Use a cool clean compress over closed eyes and keep your hands away from the area. Stop any new cosmetics, creams, or eye products until the reaction settles. Wash your face after possible allergen exposure and change pillowcases if symptoms follow sleep. Do not squeeze a lump or use steroid eye drops without medical advice. Remove contact lenses and seek advice about allergy medication if symptoms continue.

Call emergency services for swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat, breathing difficulty, faintness, or rapidly spreading hives. Get urgent eye assessment for severe pain, fever, pain when moving the eye, sudden vision change, or swelling that is markedly one-sided. Arrange prompt review when discharge, increasing redness, or worsening tenderness develops, or when the swelling does not improve.

Could this be an allergy, eyelid irritation, infection, or a blocked gland? What exposure should I avoid? Which eye or allergy treatment is suitable, and what symptoms mean I need urgent care?