What Causes Eyelid Redness Itching & Swelling?

Redness, itching and swelling of your eyelid may be uncomfortable and interfere with your ability to use contacts or eyeglasses. The causes of eyelid redness, swelling and itching include allergic reactions, irritations and infections of your eyes.

Allergic Conjunctivitis

Allergic conjunctivitis may cause your eyelids to swell, burn, itch and become red as a result of exposure to an allergen.

Blepharitis

Blepharitis is the medical term for inflammation of your eyelid, which can cause redness, swelling, tearing and itching.

Foreign Objects

If you get a foreign object such as sand, dust or dirt in your eye, you may experience swelling, redness, itching and irritation of your eye and eyelids.

Pinkeye

Pinkeye is also called conjunctivitis and may occur in you or your child and cause symptoms including redness of your eye and eyelid, itching and swelling.

Rosacea

If you have rosacea on your face, it may affect your eyes and eyelids as well, resulting in itchy, red and swollen eyelids.

Shingles

If you are over the age of 50, a reactivation of chickenpox, called shingles, may cause you to develop redness, itching and swelling of your eyes and eyelids.

Sty

A sty on your bottom or top eyelid may cause you to have temporary redness, itching, swelling and irritation near your eyelashes.

Resources

• National Eye Institute