One eye red and swollen

A tender bump at the lid edge can reflect an irritated or blocked gland. Conjunctivitis may make the eyelids puffy and the eye pink, while allergy often brings itching and watery discharge. Infection in the skin around the eye can cause warmth, tenderness, and swelling that spreads. The location of swelling, discharge, itching, pain with eye movement, and general illness help separate these patterns.

Use a clean cool compress for comfort and wash your hands before and after touching the area. Do not squeeze a lump, rub the eye, or share towels. Pause contact lenses and eye makeup until symptoms have settled and a clinician has advised you. Arrange medical advice if swelling is increasing, the discharge is thick, or the problem is not improving.

Get urgent help for reduced vision, severe eye pain, pain when moving the eye, fever, marked tenderness, a bulging eye, or swelling spreading into the cheek or forehead. Emergency assessment is also needed after a significant injury or chemical exposure. Breathing difficulty or swelling of the lips and face may signal a serious allergic reaction.

Ask whether the swelling is in the eyelid, conjunctiva, or surrounding skin, and whether you need prescription treatment. Check how to care for a possible eyelid lump and when you can safely resume lenses or makeup.