Eye Swelling

When to Call for Eye Swelling

Care Advice

Treatment for Eyelid Swelling from Suspected Bug Bite

1. What You Should Know About Eye Swelling from Bug Bites:
   • Mosquito bites are very common.
   • Bites to the face can cause severe swelling around the eye. Reason: The tissues around the eye are loose.
   • Size is larger in young children.
   • The swelling is harmless.
   • Here is some care advice that should help.
2. Cold Pack for Swelling:
   • Apply ice wrapped in a wet washcloth to the eye for 20 minutes.
3. Allergy Medicine for Itching:
   • If itching becomes severe, give an allergy medicine, such as Benadryl.
   • No prescription is needed. Age limit: 1 and older.
   • If needed longer than a few days, switch to a long-acting antihistamine, such as Zyrtec. Age limit: 2 and older.
4. Eye Drops:
   • The eyelid swelling often will improve after a cold pack or Benadryl is given.
   • Age 6 years and older. For eyelid swelling that interferes with vision after cold pack, use some eye drops. Use a long-acting vasoconstrictor eye drop (such as Visine). No prescription is needed.
   • Dose: 1 drop every 8 to 12 hours as needed for 1 or 2 days.
   • Do not use for over 5 days. Reason: Will cause red eyes from rebound effect.
5. What to Expect:
   • Itching may last for 2 days.
   • Pinkness or redness lasts about 3 days.
   • The eye may be puffy for up to 7 days.
6. Call Your Doctor If:
   • Swelling lasts over 7 days
   • Redness lasts over 3 days
   • Becomes painful to touch
   • You think your child needs to be seen
   • Your child becomes worse

Treatment for Eyelid Swelling Without a Cause

1. What You Should Know about Eyelid Swelling Without a Cause:
   • Most eye swelling without a cause is from rubbing the eyes.
   • The eye tissues are loose and easily swell.
   • The rubbing is often from getting an irritant in the eye. It's often seen in young children who touch their eyes with dirty hands. While eating, some children even get food in their eyes.
   • This type of swelling to an irritant can be treated at home.
   • Here is some care advice that should help.
2. Cold Pack for Swelling:
   • Apply ice wrapped in a wet washcloth to the eye for 20 minutes.
3. Allergy Medicine for Itching:
   • If itching becomes severe, give an allergy medicine, such as Benadryl.
   • No prescription is needed. Age limit: 1 and older.
   • If needed longer than a few days, switch to a long-acting antihistamine, such as Zyrtec. Age limit: 2 and older.
4. Eye Drops:
   • The eyelid swelling often will improve after a cold pack or Benadryl is given.
   • Age 6 years and older. For eyelid swelling that interferes with vision after cold pack, use some eye drops. Use a long-acting vasoconstrictor eye drop (such as Visine). No prescription is needed.
   • Dose: 1 drop every 8 to 12 hours as needed for 1 or 2 days.
   • Do not use for over 5 days. Reason: Will cause red eyes from rebound effect.
5. What to Expect:
   • The itching should stop after the irritant is washed out of the eye. This may take up to a few hours.
   • The swelling will clear 24 hours after the child stops rubbing the eye.
6. Call Your Doctor If:
   • Swelling lasts over 3 days
   • Eyelid becomes red and painful to the touch
   • You think your child needs to be seen
   • Your child becomes worse

And remember, contact your doctor if your child develops any of the 'Call Your Doctor' symptoms.

Disclaimer: this health information is for educational purposes only. You, the reader, assume full responsibility for how you choose to use it.