Why is one of my eyelids now swollen?

March 2, 2016 4:55 PM

My left eyelid has been swollen for about a year. Last year I had my first bout of eczema (atopic dermatitis) that hit my left eyelid. I went to the doctor thinking it was an eye infection, and was prescribed a 2% hydrocortisone creme. That seemed to work, but I have been dealing with on-and-off eczema in various spots ever since. However my left eyelid later got infected, and I went to my dermatologist and got some antibiotics which took care of it-- but the swelling never fully went away. It's not active eczema, it's not infected... my dermatologist and opthamologist have no idea and no suggestions. It isn't red or painful or itchy, and I haven't noticed anything that makes it worse or better food-wise. I definitely notice it's swollen, I can feel it when my eye is open. It's also very apparent in the mirror and in photos. Any ideas on what this is or what to do about it? Or even what kind of doctor to see?
posted by lockstitch to Health & Fitness (7 answers total)

"I went to my dermatologist and got some antibiotics which took care of it-- but the swelling never fully went away."

Yes, this is totally not surprising. After infection you can have what's called "secondary lymphedema" and it may go down over time and may or may not ever totally resolve. You should talk to an ophthalmologist about it. Secondary lymphedema of the eyelid is a thing. I can't tell if this is what's going on with you, obviously, but it's a possibility.
posted by Jahaza at 5:22 PM on March 2, 2016 [2 favorites]

Ah... I see that you asked your ophthalmologist... you probably need a better ophthalmologist.
posted by Jahaza at 5:24 PM on March 2, 2016 [4 favorites]

Came here to mention lymphedema as a possibility. I had a dog bite that tore off one of my eyelids when I was 6 or 7 (sorry, gross, had to mention though). Everything healed fine, but I understandably lost a few capillary connections in the process (or, as suggested in the second link from Jahaza, a few lymphatic drainage vessels). As a consequence, the dog bite eyelid to this day stays swollen longer than its uninjured twin when I get eye infections.

You should feel comfortable asking your current ophthalmologist if lymphedema is a possibility, or if you should see another ophthalmologist for a second opinion. Lymphadema management is A Thing, and not all doctors deal with it very much so it's worth asking about. My weird eyelid hasn't required dedicated therapy, since it's so infrequently a problem, but I've been advised before on how to do things like providing light pressure to help avoid fluid retention without injuring my eyeball, how to keep my eyelids clean without causing damage, etc.

Good luck!
posted by late afternoon dreaming hotel at 5:41 PM on March 2, 2016

It could be a food allergy. I had some 'eczema' on my eye for over a year which turned out to be an allergy to corn.
posted by JoannaC at 5:42 PM on March 2, 2016 [2 favorites]

Omg ! I had a more dramatic version of this, where my eyelid would swell every five days. I think mine was an environmental/Chem allergy because it went away after I did the following for five months:
-no make up or contact lenses or nail polish
- replaced carpet w hardwood
- air purifier
- got a different mattress and pillow
Good luck - I really feel for you :l
posted by treadstone11 at 6:35 PM on March 2, 2016

This is a kind of a tough one, but I wonder if someone who specializes in oculoplastics or ophthalmic plastics would be a good physician to consult on this. They are pretty much masters of the eyelids.
posted by treehorn+bunny at 1:10 AM on March 3, 2016 [1 favorite]

I came in to say that I'd never heard of nor been prescribed hydrocortisone cream for my eczema (and its not particularly bad or anything, I don't even use my usual cream regularly) and then through googling learned that its usually the first option. Learned something new today.
posted by LizBoBiz at 12:47 PM on March 3, 2016